This prospective observational study looked at 60 patients admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation program for subacute to chronic stroke. Researchers evaluated nutritional status using the MNA-SF screening tool and measured abdominal muscle thickness with ultrasonography. The main goal was to see how these factors affected functional independence when patients left the program.
The study found that patients facing nutritional risk had significantly lower discharge scores on the Barthel Index, a measure of daily living skills. This link remained even after accounting for other factors. However, the team did not find a connection between nutritional risk and outcomes for mobility, motor recovery, or cognitive function. Abdominal muscle thickness also did not change significantly during the four-week rehabilitation period.
While the study did not report safety concerns or adverse events, the findings highlight a specific concern: nutritional risk is tied to poorer functional outcomes at discharge. Because this was a small observational study, it shows an association rather than proving that nutrition directly caused the difference. The main takeaway is the importance of early nutritional screening and comprehensive evaluation for all stroke patients in rehabilitation settings.