| Group Chair-stand Exercise and Cognitive Recovery in Sarcopenic Stroke Patients |
Fumihiko Nagano1 
, Yoshihiro Yoshimura1, Ayaka Matsumoto1, Yoichi Sato2, Takafumi Abe2, Sayuri Shimazu1, Ai Shiraishi1, Takahiro Bise1, Yoshifumi Kido1, Takenori Hamada1, Aomi Kuzuhara1, Kouki Yoneda1, Kenichiro Maekawa3 |
1Center for Sarcopenia and Malnutrition Research, Kumamoto Rehabilitation Hospital, Kumamoto 869-1106, Japan
2Department of Rehabilitation, Uonuma Kikan Hospital, Niigata 949-7302, Japan
3Department of Rehabilitation, Kobe Rehabilitation Hospital, Kobe 651-1106, Japan |
Correspondence:
Fumihiko Nagano,
Email: akro1029@gmail.com
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Received: 11 June 2025 • Revised: 21 July 2025 • Accepted: 15 August 2025 |
| Abstract |
Background
Evidence on the effectiveness of exercise for cognitive recovery in patients with sarcopenia is limited. This study examined the association between group-based chair-stand exercise and cognitive improvement during convalescent rehabilitation.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study included stroke patients with sarcopenia and impaired cognitive level, defined as a Functional Independence Measure (FIM)-cognitive score ≤23, admitted between 2016 and 2023. All patients received standard rehabilitation and participated in group-based chair-stand exercise twice daily. The frequency of exercise during hospitalization was recorded. The primary outcome was FIM-cognitive score at discharge. Secondary outcomes were handgrip strength (HG) and FIM-motor score. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to examine associations between exercise frequency and outcomes, adjusting for potential confounders.
Results
Of the 1,220 patients admitted, 273 sarcopenic stroke patients with reduced cognitive level (mean age 80 years; 48% male) were included in the final analysis dataset; the median (IQR) frequency of performing chair-stand exercise per day was 43 (20-71). Higher exercise frequency was independently associated with better FIM-cognitive score at discharge (β=0.217, p<0.001), greater HG (β=0.146, p=0.008), and improved FIM-motor score (β=0.295, p<0.001).
Conclusion
Frequent participation in group-based chair-stand exercise was associated with improvements in cognitive and physical function in sarcopenic stroke patients. Incorporating simple, repetitive resistance exercises into rehabilitation programs may enhance recovery outcomes in this vulnerable population. |
| Key Words:
Stroke, Sarcopenia, Rehabilitation, Exercise Therapy, Cognition |
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