Body composition and physical function after progressive resistance and balance training among older adults after stroke: an exploratory randomized controlled trial

Purpose: To evaluate whether improvements in physical function are related to changes in body composition after a three-month progressive resistance and balance exercise program among individuals approximately one to three years after stroke.

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 43 community-dwelling subjects (65–85 years, mean age 73?±?5 years, 73% men) were allocated to a progressive resistance and balance exercise program twice weekly for three months (intervention group IG], n?=?20) or a control group (n?=?23). The main outcome measures were fat mass (kg) and fat-free mass (kg), as measured by bioelectrical impedance analyses (Tanita^®). Physical function was measured using the six-minute walk test.

Results: Complete case analyses revealed reduced fat mass in the IG compared with the control (?1.5 vs. (0).13% of body weight, respectively; effect size?=0.62; p?=?0.048). In contrast, no between-group difference in fat-free mass was observed. The six-minute walk test was improved (25 vs. ?10 m, respectively, effect size =0.69, p?=?0.039) at three months in favor of the IG. The reduced fat mass was associated with an improved six-minute walk test (r?=?0.48, p?=?0.038) in the IG.

Conclusions: Three-month progressive resistance and balance training was associated with reduced fat mass, which was related to improvements in walking capacity in older adults approximately one year after stroke.

• Implications for rehabilitation

• This three-month PRB group exercise program supported by motivational discussions and daily home-based exercises indicate the following:

• ??Improved walking capacity was associated with a reduction in fat mass.

• ??IGF-1 is reduced, possibly indicating improved insulin sensitivity.