Factors related to loss of lower extremity muscle mass in elderly acute stroke patients

The present study investigated the factors contributing to the loss of upper and lower extremity muscle mass in three elderly stroke patients with right hemiplegia in whom our rehabilitation program could not be performed at １‐２ weeks after onset. The results revealed common factors such as prolonged accurate microinjection of hypotensive agents, severe hemiplegia（Brunnstrom stage I or Ⅱ）, diarrhea and delayed initiation of tube feeding at ３ to ８ days after onset. With regard to individual differences, while all patients were recovering in bed, the degree of decrease in muscle mass varied among patients because they moved their extremities differently.