Body composition and physical function after progressive resistance and balance training among older adults after stroke: an exploratory randomized controlled trial

Purpose: To evaluate whether improvements in physical function are related to changes in body composition after a three-month progressive resistance and balance exercise program among individuals approximately one to three years after stroke. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 43 community-dwelling subjects (65-85 years, mean age 73 +/- 5 years, 73% men) were allocated to a progressive resistance and balance exercise program twice weekly for three months (intervention group [IG], n = 20) or a control group (n = 23). The main outcome measures were fat mass (kg) and fat-free mass (kg), as measured by bioelectrical impedance analyses (Tanita VR). Physical function was measured using the six-minute walk test. Results: Complete case analyses revealed reduced fat mass in the IG compared with the control (similar to 1.5 vs. (0). 13% of body weight, respectively; effect size = 0.62; p = 0.048). In contrast, no between-group difference in fat-free mass was observed. The six-minute walk test was improved (25 vs. -10 m, respectively, effect size = 0.69, p = 0.039) at three months in favor of the IG. The reduced fat mass was associated with an improved six-minute walk test (r = 0.48, p = 0.038) in the IG. Conclusions: Three-month progressive resistance and balance training was associated with reduced fat mass, which was related to improvements in walking capacity in older adults approximately one year after stroke.