Association of Calf Circumference, Hand Grip Strength, and Physical Performance with Serious Adverse Events in Patients with Sub-Acute Stroke Hospitalized for Rehabilitation: An Observational Study.

Objective: To determine whether calf circumference (CC), hand grip strength (HGS), and physical performance are linked to the incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs) in patients with sub-acute stroke.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Single rehabilitation hospital.

Participants: Stroke patients admitted for rehabilitation hospital.

Intervention: Not applicable.

Main outcome measures: The incidence of SAEs, such as death, cardiovascular events including recurrent stroke, and conditions requiring transfer to another hospital for specialized care or immediate treatment for an acute illness during hospitalization.

Results: A total of 341 patients (median age: 74 years) participated in this study, with 232 patients (68%) exhibiting low physical performance. In the adjusted model, low physical performance was significantly associated with SAEs (HR = 3.01, 95% CI = 1.04-8.68, p = 0.042). However, low CC (HR = 1.60, 95% CI = 0.76-3.38, p = 0.219) and low HGS (HR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.39-2.42, p = 0.960) did not show an independent association.

Conclusion: Low physical performance was independently associated with the occurrence of SAEs during hospitalization for rehabilitation in patients with sub-acute stroke.