Association of Malnutrition With Physical Activity Intensity in Patients With Subacute Stroke

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Nutritional Science
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Subacute stroke patients often experience impaired physical function and nutritional challenges.
• Understanding the interplay between nutritional status and physical activity is crucial for effective stroke rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between nutritional status (using Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition [GLIM] criteria) and physical activity intensity in subacute stroke patients.
• To determine the association between nutritional status, physical activity, and activities of daily living (ADLs) during hospitalization.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 128 subacute stroke patients in a neurosurgical hospital's rehabilitation unit.
• Nutritional status assessed via GLIM criteria; physical activity (sedentary behavior [SB], light-intensity physical activity [LIPA], moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA]) measured by accelerometer.
• Multiple regression and mediation analyses were employed to examine relationships and associations.

Main Results:

• Malnutrition correlated with increased SB time and LIPA time, but not moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) time.
• SB and LIPA times were significantly associated with motor function (Functional Independence Measure), while MVPA was not.
• SB and LIPA times acted as significant mediators between nutritional status and ADLs.

Conclusions:

• In subacute stroke patients, malnutrition is associated with higher sedentary behavior and light physical activity, impacting daily functioning.
• Sedentary behavior and light physical activity mediate the relationship between nutritional status and activities of daily living.
• Integrating nutritional status assessment and physical activity interventions is recommended for optimizing stroke rehabilitation.