Association between language function and body composition characteristics in patients with subacute left hemispheric stroke

Background & Objectives: Stroke-related sarcopenia and language disorder are main sequelae of stroke. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between language function and body composition characteristics in patients with subacute left hemiplegic stroke. Methods: Body mass index, skeletal muscle index (SMI), and body fat percentage using bioimpedance analysis, hand grip strength, and Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score were evaluated. Language function was evaluated using the Western Aphasia Battery ( WAB). A partial correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between body composition and language function. Results: A total of 54 patients with subacute left hemispheric stroke were enrolled in the study. The aphasia quotient (AQ) of WAB was significantly correlated with SMI, body fat percentage, MRC-sum score, MRC-sum score of unaffected side and hand grip strength. In the multiple regression analysis after adjusting for age and sex, the AQ of WAB was significantly correlated with SMI. Conclusions: Skeletal muscle index showed highest correlation with language function in patients with left hemispheric stroke.