Relationship between initial nutritional status and functional independence measures at discharge in subacute stroke

Objective: This retrospective study examined the association between nutritional status at admission and functional independence measure (FIM™) at discharge. Materials and Methods: This study included 205 patients, aged ≥ 65, discharged from a convalescent ward between April 2017 and March 2018. The primary outcome was discharge FIM^TM, and the secondary outcomes were the length of stay (LOS) and FIM efficiency. The explanatory variables included demographic data, stroke type, admission FIM^TM, body mass index (BMI), controlling nutritional status (CONUT), and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI). Patients were divided into three groups based on BMI and GNRI scores and four groups based on the CONUT score. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were performed to predict discharge FIM^TM. Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn's tests were also performed for intergroup comparisons. Results: In the univariate analyses, age, sex, onset-to-admission interval, admission FIM^TM, GNRI, and BMI (all factors were p<0.001) were significant explanatory variables for discharge FIM^TM. In the multiple linear regression analysis, admission FIM^TM, LOS, age, and onset-to-admission interval were significant explanatory variables (adjusted R² = 0.791; p<0.001). Although those with poor nutritional status required a longer hospital stay, they achieved the same FIM gain as those without poor nutritional status. Conclusions: Nutritional status on admission did not affect the FIM^TM at discharge in the convalescent ward. Patients with subacute stroke require adequate rehabilitation regardless of their nutritional status.