Changes in fat mass in stroke survivors: a systematic review

Date

2012

Authors

English, C.
Thoirs, K.
Coates, A.
Ryan, A.
Bernhardt, J.

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Journal article

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International Journal of Stroke, 2012; 7(6):491-498

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Abstract

Background: Stroke survivors have less muscle mass in their paretic limbs compared with nonparetic limbs, which may or may not be accompanied by changes in regional and/or whole body fat mass. Aim: To examine the current evidence regarding differences in regional fat mass between paretic and nonparetic limbs and changes in whole body fat mass over time in stroke survivors. Methods: A systematic search of relevant databases. Studies measuring whole body or regional fat mass using dual-energy X-ray absorpiometry, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging were included. Results: Eleven trials were identified. Fat mass differences between paretic and nonparetic limbs and change in fat mass over time were not consistent. Meta-analyses were conducted using dual-energy X-ray absorpiometry-derived data from 10 trials (n = 324). There were no differences in fat mass between paretic and nonparetic legs (pooled mean difference 31·4 g, 95% confidence interval −33·9 to 96·6, P = 0·35), and slightly greater fat mass in the paretic arms compared with nonparetic arms (pooled mean difference 84·0 g, 95% confidence interval 30·7 to 137·3, P = 0·002). Whole body fat mass did not increase significantly between one-month and six-months poststroke (pooled mean difference 282·3 g, 95% confidence interval −824·4 to 1389, P = 0·62), but there was an increase between six- and 12 months poststroke (pooled mean difference 1935 g, 95% confidence interval 1031 to 2839, P < 0·001). Conclusions: There were inconsistent findings regarding changes in fat mass after stroke. Large, well-designed studies are required to further investigate the impact of body composition changes on the health of stroke survivors.

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Copyright 2012 The Authors; International Journal of Stroke copyright 2012 World Stroke Organization Access Condition Notes: Postprint only available on Open Access

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