Association between changes in body composition and weight at admission and discharge from convalescent rehabilitation wards

[Purpose] Effective nutritional management is essential for inpatient rehabilitation. This study aimed to examine changes in body composition in relation to weight gain or loss between admission and discharge from convalescent rehabilitation wards. [Participants and Methods] A total of 91 patients (39 men and 52 women) admitted to convalescent rehabilitation wards were included. Body composition, height, and weight were measured during admission and discharge using a device which allows measurements in seated or supine positions (InBody S10). Patients were classified into three groups based on whether they gained, maintained, or lost at least 3% of their body weight. [Results] Thirteen participants (six men and seven women) were categorized into the weight gain group, 58 (24 men and 34 women) into the unchanged group, and 20 (nine men and 11 women) into the weight loss group. Significant differences in the percentage change in the amount of body fat in men and change in the skeletal muscle mass index in women were observed. [Conclusion] In men, changes in body fat mass were observed, while in women, skeletal muscle mass changes were observed, which were linked to weight variations. These findings underscore the gender-specific differences in body composition changes during inpatient rehabilitation.