RESUMO
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of nutrition combined with exercise intervention on stroke patients with sarcopenia. MethodsFrom January to June, 2022, 60 stroke patients with sarcopenia were randomly divided into control group (n = 15), nutrition group (n = 15), exercise group (n = 15) and combined group (n = 15). All the groups received routine rehabilitation training, while the nutrition group received nutrition intervention, the exercise group received exercise intervention, and the combined group received both the nutrition and exercise intervention, for four weeks. Before and after intervention, the muscle index was measured with bioelectrical impedance analysis, gripping strength of the healthy and the affected side was measured with gripping strength meter, and the patients were assessed with modified Barthel Index (MBI) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). ResultsFour cases in the control group, two in the nutrition group, one in the exercise group, and three in the combined group dropped down. The muscle index, gripping strength, and the scores of MBI and BBS improved in all the groups after intervention (|t| > 3.004, P < 0.05), while all improved more in the combined group than in the other three groups (P < 0.05), and the grip strength of the healthy side was more in the exercise group than in the nutrition group (P < 0.05). ConclusionNutrition or exercise intervention alone can improve the muscle quality, grip strength, activities of daily living and balance of stroke patients with sarcopenia, while the combination is more effective.