JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Background:

Malnutrition is a prevalent and serious concern in adult stroke patients, often worsening their clinical status and leading to poor prognosis. However, the effectiveness of nutritional interventions in this population remains uncertain. Furthermore, the impact of nutritional support on functional recovery, especially in relation to rehabilitation outcomes, has not been sufficiently investigated.

Objective:

To synthesize existing RCT evidence to determine whether nutrient supplements confer measurable benefits in post-stroke rehabilitation.

Methods:

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that comparing nutrient supplements and standard diet or placebo supplements in adult stroke patients will be included. Literature searches will be conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and Cochrane Library. Two reviewers independently perform the processes of literature retrieval, screening, data extraction, and assessment of risk of bias. Risk of bias in included studies is evaluated using Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (ROB 2) for RCTs. Review Manager (RevMan) will be used for data pooling. Subgroup analysis, trial sequential analysis (TSA), and sensitivity analysis will be conducted.

Results:

Primary outcomes include overall mortality, while secondary outcomes encompass infection rates, neurological function (NIHSS score), nutritional status (albumin, hemoglobin, protein intake), and physical performance (handgrip strength, 6-minute walking distance).

Conclusions:

Ethical approval is not required because this study is a secondary analysis of existing data. We will disseminate the findings through peer- reviewed publications. Clinical Trial: PROSPERO registration number: CRD420251028426.