The Impact of Body Mass Index Classification on Outcomes After Stroke Rehabilitation: A Retrospective Study

With improving stroke mortality rates, more individuals are living with the consequences of stroke. Obesity is a known risk factor for stroke, but its effect on functional outcomes poststroke is less clear. The aim of this study was to determine the association between body mass index classification (underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese) and functional outcomes, as measured by Functional Independence Measure change, Functional Independence Measure efficiency, and rehabilitation length of stay after inpatient stroke rehabilitation. A retrospective cohort study of individuals with a diagnosis of stroke admitted to a high-intensity inpatient rehabilitation program was performed. Patients were divided into 4 groups based on body mass index category using normal body mass index as the reference. Overall, 34 individuals (4.5%) were classified as underweight, 303 (40.1%) had body mass indices within the normal range, 269 (35.6%) were overweight, and 149 (19.7%) were obese. Ischemic stroke was the most common stroke type across all body mass index categories. Patients in the overweight and obese groups tended to be younger. There were no statistically significant differences in rehabilitation length of stay, Functional Independence Measure change, or Functional Independence Measure efficiency with all groups demonstrating significant functional improvements. Based on these findings, patients admitted for inpatient rehabilitation after stroke can be expected to make similar functional improvements regardless of BMI class.