Background: Functional sarcopenia, a subcategory of sarcopenia, has recently been introduced. It is defined by muscle weakness and reduced physical performance, regardless of muscle mass reduction, and may potentially affect overall rehabilitation outcomes in patients. Objectives: This study aimed to classify stroke patients into two groups based on the presence or absence of functional sarcopenia and to compare changes in balance and gait ability after receiving the same rehabilitation intervention. Design: A quasi-experimental design. Methods: A total of 44 stroke patients participated in this study and were classified into functional sarcopenia (n=22) and non-functional sarcopenia groups. Physical function tests were used to assess balance (Timed Up and Go, Berg Balance Scale) and gait (10-Meter Walk Test, Functional Ambulation Category). All participants underwent a four-week convalescent rehabilitation program, receiving five sessions per week, with each session lasting four hours per day. Results: After four weeks of convalescent rehabilitation, both groups showed significant improvements in all outcome measures (P<.05). However, when comparing the pre-post changes, no significant differences were found between the two groups in the changes of balance and gait outcomes (P>.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that stroke patients with functional sarcopenia can achieve a similar level of functional recovery as those without functional sarcopenia when provided with appropriate rehabilitation interventions.

INTRODUCTION
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
    Study Procedure
    Participants
    Outcome Measures
    Interventions
    Data Analysis
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
CONCLUSION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
REFERENCES

• Byeonggeun Kim(Department of Physical Therapy, Nambu University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea) Corresponding author
• Jongyun Chun(Department of Physical Therapy, Nambu University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea)
• Chibok Park(Department of Physical Therapy, Nambu University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea)