A Community-Based Resistance Training Exercise for Post-Stroke Patients with Sarcopenia: Bridging Institutional and Community-Based Rehabilitation in a Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial

Sarcopenia is a prevalent and debilitating condition among stroke survivors, characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass and function. This multicenter, randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of a community-based high-speed power training (HSPT) program tailored for individuals with post-stroke sarcopenia. The intervention bridges the gap between hospital-based rehabilitation and long-term community reintegration by offering physician-supervised, progressive resistance training sessions conducted twice weekly for eight weeks. Participants are assessed on muscle strength, physical performance, balance, body composition, and gait before and after the intervention. The study utilizes validated tools such as handgrip dynamometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), short physical performance battery (SPPB), and timed up and go (TUG) to comprehensively evaluate outcomes. Through stratified randomization and a double-blind design, the trial seeks to minimize bias and maximize clinical relevance. The results from this protocol are expected to inform evidence-based guidelines for stroke rehabilitation and support scalable community-based exercise programs aimed at improving functional recovery and quality of life in this population.