Stroke-Related Sarcopenia: Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Tools

Sarcopenia is characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength and can be categorized as either primary or secondary. Patients who have experienced a stroke may develop sarcopenia, which can adversely impact their functional recovery. The pathophysiology of sarcopenia related to stroke involves nutritional deficiency, disuse atrophy, denervation, and metabolic disturbance. Various evaluation tools are available to diagnose this condition, assessing skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function. However, due to the limitations of traditional sarcopenia diagnostic criteria in the context of stroke, there is pressing need to establish diagnostic standards that accurately reflect the disabilities experienced by patients with stroke.