ABSTRACT
Objective : Little is known about the energy demands of stroke patients in the rehabilitation phase, information essential to both appropriate clinical and nutritional management. The aims of this study were to determine the resting energy expenditure (REE) of stroke patients in the rehabilitation phase, and to evaluate whether REE estimation using the Harris-Benedict equation (HBE) requires the addition of a “stress factor” to capture possible additional REE imposed by stroke. Method : We measured REE with a portable calorimeter, MetavinTR, and compared it with basal energy expenditure (BEE) calculated with HBE in 76 stroke patients admitted to a rehabilitation ward. We then analyzed its relationship with sex, stroke type, paretic side, severity of paralysis, the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score and dysphagia. Results : Mean REE and REE/BEE (%) were 1231.3±245.7 kcal/day and 104.3±16.4%. A comparison showed no significant difference. Sex, stroke type, paretic side, severity of paralysis, FIM and dysphagia were not significantly related with REE/BEE (%). Conclusion : The REE of stroke patients was not significantly different from that predicted with HBE. This information would be useful in planning appropriate nutritional management.