The Effects of Timing of a Leucine-Enriched Amino Acid Supplement on Body Composition and Physical Function in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

<jats:p>The combination of exercise and nutritional intervention is widely used for stroke patients, as well as frail or sarcopenic older persons. As previously shown, supplemental branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) or protein to gain muscle mass has usually been given just after exercise. This study investigated the effect of the timing of supplemental BCAAs with exercise intervention on physical function in stroke patients. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups based on the timing of supplementation: breakfast (n = 23) and post-exercise (n = 23). The supplement in the breakfast group was provided at 08:00 with breakfast, and in the post-exercise group it was provided just after the exercise session in the afternoon at 14:00–18:00. In both groups, the exercise intervention was performed with two sessions a day for two months. The main effects were observed in body fat mass (p = 0.02, confidence interval (CI): 13.2–17.7), leg press strength (p = 0.04, CI: 94.5–124.5), and Berg balance scale (p = 0.03, CI: 41.6–52.6), but no interaction with intake timing was observed. Although the effect of the timing of supplementation on skeletal muscle mass was similar in both groups, BCAA intake with breakfast was effective for improving physical performance and decreasing body fat mass. The results suggest that a combination of BCAA intake with breakfast and an exercise program was effective for promoting rehabilitation of post-stroke patients.</jats:p>

The association between frailty of older stroke patients during hospitalization and one-year all-cause mortality: A multicenter survey in China

“…Moreover, for surviving patients after the acute disease stage of stroke, screening frailty could help clinicians and family members make an appropriate rehabilitation program and intervention program for exercise and nutrition. A previous study suggested that a combination of exercise training and nutritional intervention with branched-chain amino acid improvements can effectively improve leg press strength and the Berg balance scale score among poststroke patients [ 30 ].…”

Nutritional Supplements and Neuroprotective Diets and Their Potential Clinical Significance in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

“…Both groups underwent a rehabilitation program for 2 months, with two sessions daily. Muscle mass results were similar in both groups; however, BCAA intake with breakfast was more effective for physical performance and decreasing body fat mass [ 84 ].…”

The association between sarcopenia and the physical function of patients with stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The ability to perform ADLs was essential for the improvement of the quality of life for stroke patients and their families. Previous studies showed that increased nutritional or exercise interventions could improve the muscle mass, strength, and physical function of patients with sarcopenia and stroke 37,38 . Increased muscle mass was found to improve ADLs, which was important for stroke rehabilitation.…”