Malnutrition on admission is associated with trunk function recovery but not with lower limb muscle strength recovery in patients with acute stroke: an observational cohort study.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of malnutrition on trunk function and lower leg muscle strength in patients with acute stroke upon hospitalization.

Methods: This prospective cohort study included hospitalized patients with acute stroke. Nutritional status was assessed using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria. Trunk function and lower leg muscle strength were assessed using the trunk control test (TCT) and Motricity Index (MI), respectively, on admission and at discharge. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between malnutrition and poor improvement in TCT and MI scores at discharge.

Results: Patients (N = 241) with acute stroke (median age 79 y) were included in this study. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, malnutrition was independently associated with poor TCT score improvement (adjusted odds ratio, 3.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-13.20; P = 0.03). In contrast, malnutrition was not independently associated with poor MI score improvement (adjusted odds ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.30-2.52; P = 0.79).

Conclusion: Malnutrition on admission leads to poor trunk function, but not lower leg muscle strength, in patients with acute stroke.