Body Composition Alterations in Patients with Chronic Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate differences in body composition (fat mass, lean body mass [LBM] and bone mineral content [BMC]) between the paretic and non-paretic sides in patients with chronic stroke, and to identify predictive factors for paretic LBM and BMC.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 84 patients (58 men, 26 women; age 58.3 ± 9.5 years). Body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to measure fat mass, LBM and BMC of the paretic and non-paretic limbs.

RESULTS

LBM and BMC of both the upper and lower extremities were significantly lower on the paretic side. Fat mass in the paretic lower limb was significantly higher. The greatest percentage differences were found in upper limb BMC (-16.8 %), lower limb LBM (-7.9 %) and lower limb BMC (-7.3 %). Predictors of paretic LBM included age, body mass, motor strength (Motricity Index), and body fat percentage. For paretic BMC, sex and height were significant predictors in both limbs: paretic arm LBM predicted arm BMC, while body mass and age predicted paretic leg BMC.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant differences in body composition exist between the paretic and non-paretic sides in chronic stroke. This study identified key predictors of paretic LBM and BMC.