The effectiveness of using the “Fresubin Protein” protein module in a comprehensive programme of second-level rehabilitation measures in patients with ischemic stroke: a prospective single-center clinical study

Objective: Evaluation of the effectiveness of the “Fresubin Protein” module in a comprehensive second-level rehabilitation programme for patients with ischemic stroke (IS).

Material and methods. A single-center prospective clinical study was conducted involving 45 patients (21 in the main group and 24 in the control group) aged 45–90 years between 14 and 35 days after IS. Patients in the main group received “Fresubin Protein” in addition to their standard diet for 12 days. Rehabilitation indices, nutritional status indicators and muscle strength were assessed on the 1st and 12th days of the study.

Results. A positive effect of a high-protein diet on the Barthel Index of daily activity (p=0.0117), muscle strength dynamics on the paresis side (p=0.0175) and on the intact side (p=0.0365), and on the absolute value of peripheral blood lymphocytes (p=0.0368) was noted. Statistically significant differences from the control group were noted in the main group. No adverse effects of protein module use were identified.

Conclusion. The use of the “Fresubin Protein” module as a nutritional supplement in patients with IS during the second stage of rehabilitation contributes to improved daily activity levels and increased muscle strength. The results of the study confirm the advisability of using a high-protein diet in a comprehensive rehabilitation programme for patients with IS.

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