Body Composition of People After a Stroke
Body Composition of People After a Stroke
The study enabled assessment of changes in body mass composition, metabolic syndrome and
 lipid profile in patients after stroke, following rehabilitation in hospital.
Stroke is estimated to affect 24-54% of the global population and is one of the leading
 causes of death. According to World Health Organization over one billion people worldwide are
 overweight, and approximately 300 million people are obese. The main factors contributing to
 this situation include insufficient physical activity and unhealthy diet. Among the major
 consequences of obesity in adults one can distinguish metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular
 diseases.

 Therefore, measurements were performed to identify changes in body mass composition (body
 fat, visceral fat level, muscle mass, total body water, metabolic syndrome, lipid profile) in
 subjects after stroke following rehabilitation at hospital.

 The study was carried at the Clinical Rehabilitation Ward with Early Neurological
 Rehabilitation Unit, at the Clinical Hospital in Rzeszów, Poland. The measurements were
 performed from June 2015 to March 2017. During that time the total of 1,143 patients received
 treatment and rehabilitation at the clinic. These included 403 patients after stroke. The
 subjects were examined three times. In accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria 128
 subjects were qualified for the first exam. The second exam took into account 114 subjects
 and finally 100 patients with stroke participated in the third exam. The analyses took into
 account the data obtained from the 100 subjects who took part in all the exams. Body mass
 composition was assessed in all the subjects with Tanita MC 780 MA analyzer, whose operation
 is based on Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The subjects' height was measured with
 the stadiometer PORTSTAND 210. Rehabilitation outcome was assessed with Barthel index, Berg
 scale, Ashworth scale, Brunnström scale, Rankin scale and symmetry index for lower limb
 weight distribution (Ws).

 In addition, waist and hip circumference were measured and WHR was calculated. The above
 parameters were assessed three times:

 Exam I took place upon admission to hospital Exam II on the day the patient was discharged
 from hospital Exam III was performed 12 weeks after discharge from hospital during a
 follow-up visit.

 The follow-up visit, 12 weeks after discharge from hospital, was meant to determine whether
 the effects of rehabilitation persisted for 12 weeks after discharge from hospital.

 Other parameters examined included: LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, TG, atherogenic index, CRP,
 and serum glucose level. Blood for the tests was drawn from basilic vein by medical personnel
 at the Rehabilitation Clinic. The test was performed twice: upon admission to the Clinic and
 following 5-week rehabilitation at the hospital.
Inclusion criteria:

 -  Stroke experienced.

 -  Ability to stand without assistance.

 -  Ability to walk without aid.

 -  No impairments in higher mental functions

 -  Patient's informed, voluntary consent to participate in the study.

 Exclusion criteria:

 -  Lack of patient's consent to participate in the study

 -  Lack of ability to stand without assistance.

 -  Ischemic lesion located in the cerebellum and brain stem.

 -  Metal, electronic implants.

 -  Epilepsy.

 -  Pregnancy.

 -  Menstruation, in females.

 -  Limb injuries incurred following stroke onset, prior to the exam.