Resting energy expenditure and body composition following cerebro-vascular accident

Abstract

The aim of this study was to measure resting energy expenditure (REE) in patients routinely admitted to hospital following a cerebro-vascular accident (CVA). The REE of 15 patients (8 female; 7 male) was measured using indirect calorimetry 24-72 hours after the CVA; 11 patients (7 female; 4 male) were measured again 10-14 days later. Body composition was assessed using skin-fold thickness, near infra-red interactance and bioelectrical impedance techniques. Initial REE in females was 1133 kcal/day (+/-67) and in males 1526 kcal/day (+/-111). There was little or no difference in REE or body composition between the first and second measurements. REE was between 95%-107% of the values predicted by 10 reference tables and equations and up to 118% of that predicted by another. We conclude that the total energy requirements of patients following a stroke are not high, probably because of decreased physical activity and changes in muscular tone subsequent to CVA.