Abstract
The present study examined whether or not varying methods of urinary support provided for elderly male patients with stroke-induced hemiplegia in the convalescent phase causes differences in the change in muscle mass on the non-paralyzed side. The subjects were fourteen patients aged 65 years or older with stroke-induced hemiplegia in the convalescent phase. A survey of urinary support and measurement of the muscle mass on the non-paralyzed side were conducted twice: two weeks and three months after hospitalization. The results suggested that when patients had an urge to urinate, they all went to the bathroom using a wheelchair. On the other hand, patients who had little or no urge to urinate used a diaper or indwelling bladder catheter, and did not go to the bathroom. The leg muscle mass on the non-paralyzed side (p=0.014) and its increase during hospitalization (p=0.094) were significantly larger in patients who used the bathroom (muscle mass: 4.30±1.02 kg, increase: 0.04±0.61 kg), compared to those who did not (muscle mass: 3.69±0.58 kg, increase: -0.14±0.86 kg). Urinary support for elderly males, which encourages male patients, including those requiring assistance, to stand erect, may help maintain and increase the leg muscle mass on the non-paralyzed side.
