Upright activity and higher motor function may preserve bone mineral density within 6 months of stroke: a longitudinal study

Abstract

Purpose: Bone fragility contributes to increased fracture risk, but little is known about the emergence of post-stroke bone loss. We investigated skeletal changes and relationships with physical activity, stroke severity, motor control and lean mass within 6 months of stroke. Methods: This is a prospective observational study. Participants were non-diabetic but unable to walk within 2 weeks of first stroke. Distal tibial volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD, primary outcome), bone geometry and microstructure (high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography) were assessed at baseline and 6 months, as were secondary outcomes total body bone mineral content and lean mass (dual ener..