Stroke-related sarcopenia: specific characteristics

Abstract

Sarcopenia is characterized by muscle wasting and is primarily a disease of the elderly. A stroke-specific sarcopenia has been described recently. Stroke-related sarcopenia has a number of features that distinguish it from the age-related sarcopenia. The disability from stroke depends on the brain lesion leading to impairment of the efferent neuronal pathways. However, the alterations of structural and functional muscle capacity are secondary and depend rather on complex pathophysiological reactions including imbalanced efferent neurovegetative control, systemic and local metabolic imbalance, feeding difficulties, and inflammation. Muscle structural changes start to develop within hours after stroke, followed by rapid reduction of muscle mass. The pathophysiological mechanisms leading to the muscle mass decline are still not understood in details. This review provides insights into the specific features of the stroke-related sarcopenia. Recent research achievements in this area and clinical implications will be discussed.

Keywords: Stroke; disability; muscle mass assessment; muscle strength; muscle wasting; physical performance.