Body Composition, Fatigue, Mobility, and Functional Status in Individuals With Stroke: A Case-Control Study With Healthy Controls

Abstract

Purpose: Stroke may lead to changes in body composition, increased fatigue, and decreased functional abilities. This study aimed to examine the relationships between body composition, fatigue, mobility, and functional independence in individuals with stroke. Methods: Twenty-one stroke patients and 21 healthy controls participated. Body composition was measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), fatigue with the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), mobility with the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), and functional status with the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Results and Discussion: Stroke patients had significantly higher total, upper extremity, and trunk fat percentages and greater fatigue compared with healthy individuals (p < 0.05). Healthy controls showed higher muscle mass, bone mass, mobility, and functional independence (p < 0.05). No differences were found in body weight, BMI, or total body water (p > 0.05) Body composition in stroke patients is negatively affected on both the affected and unaffected sides, characterized by increased fat mass and decreased muscle mass. These changes may contribute to post-stroke fatigue and reduced functional independence and mobility. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring body composition and functional status in stroke rehabilitation.