Nutrition, Energy Expenditure, Dysphagia, and Self-Efficacy in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

While significant research has been performed regarding the use of thrombolytic agents and thrombectomy in the setting of acute stroke, other factors, such as nutritional status of stroke patients, is a less explored topic. The topic of nutrition is critical to the discussion of stroke, as up to half of stroke survivors may be considered malnourished at discharge. Dysphagia, old age, restricted upper limb movement, visuospatial impairment, and depression are all important risk factors for malnutrition in this cohort. The purpose of this review is to analyze current literature discussing neuroprotective diets, nutritional, vitamin, and mineral supplementation, dysphagia, and post-stroke coaching in stroke patients.

Effect of an Oral Health Programme on Oral Health, Oral Intake, and Nutrition in Patients with Stroke and Dysphagia in Taiwan: A Randomised Controlled Trial

“…At T1, 42 subjects (28 subjects ≥65 years old and 14 subjects <65 years old) were at high risk of malnutrition (63.6%). The results of this study are similar to those of previous studies [3,41]. Malnutrition is associated with dysphagia.…”

“…Malnutrition is associated with dysphagia. Elderly patients (57.8%) account for the majority of subjects at high risk of malnutrition [3]. Because most elderly patients have poor appetite, and oral food intake function is poor, weight loss occurs within 3 months of stroke, placing elderly people at high risk of malnutrition.…”

“…Previous studies have shown that the severity of dysphagia is related to the location of the stroke in the brain [1,2]. Further, dysphagia, advanced age, and restricted upper limb movement are all important risk factors for malnutrition [3].…”

Relationship between the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and the Self-Efficacy Scale among Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…On the other hand, dysphagia severity may not be determined by constitutional and functional factors alone. In stroke and laryngectomy patients with dysphagia, psychological aspects such as self-efficacy play an important role in rehabilitation and eating habits [ 18 , 19 ]. In other words, what the patients with dysphagia can or cannot eat is affected by self-efficacy of deglutition.…”

Relationship between the Functional Oral Intake Scale and Self-efficacy Scale among Patients with Cancer: A Cross-sectional study

“…However, dysphagia may not be determined by constitutional and functional factors. For instance, in stroke and laryngectomy patients with dysphagia, psychological aspects, such as self-e cacy, play an important role in rehabilitation and eating habits [16,17]. In other words, what patients with dysphagia can or cannot eat is affected by their deglutition self-e cacy.…”