Individualized nutritional treatment for acute stroke patients with malnutrition risk improves functional independence measurement: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of individualized nutritional treatment on the activities of daily living of acute stroke patients. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled study. The eligibility criteria were acute stroke, age >65 years and the presence of malnutrition risk. Between September 2016 and December 2017, 128 patients were assigned to either the standard or intensive group (individualized nutritional treatment). The intensive group received energy that was calculated using the Harris-Benedict equation. The main outcome measures were the total functional independence measurement gain from the time of assignment to the time of discharge from the recovery hospital or at 3 months after the stroke onset, and motor and cognitive functional independence measurement gains. RESULTS: Compared with the standard group, the intensive group had significantly higher median energy intake (P < 0.001); significantly greater functional independence measurement gains in the total score (42 vs. 22; P = 0.02) and motor subscore (P = 0.01), but similar cognitive subscore. CONCLUSION: Individualized nutritional treatment improved the activities of daily living of older acute stroke patients with malnutrition risk. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; ••: ••-••.