Evaluation of the relationship between serum total testosterone levels and functional recovery after rehabilitation in males with chronic ischemic stroke: a cross-sectional study
Neurological Research, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/01616412.2026.2636854
- Dergi Adı: Neurological Research
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Pharma Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: brunnstrom recovery stages, rehabilitation, smoking, stroke, Testosterone
- Bilecik Şeyh Edebali Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Objective: This cross-sectional study investigated the association between post-rehabilitation serum total testosterone (S-TT) levels and functional status in male patients with chronic ischemic stroke and explored age-related differences. Material-Methods: Forty-eight male patients aged 34–90 years with ischemic stroke of at least six months’ duration were included. Patients were divided into two groups: <65 years (Group 1) and ≥65 years (Group 2). All participants completed a 6-week rehabilitation program. Functional status was assessed at baseline and post-rehabilitation phase using the Brunnstrom Recovery Stages, Rivermead Mobility Index, Functional Independence Measure, and Duruoz Hand Index. Post-rehabilitation S-TT levels were measured and analyzed for cross-sectional associations with functional outcomes. Results: S-TT levels were significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p < 0.001), while smoking prevalence and cumulative exposure were higher in the younger group (p = 0.003; p = 0.014). Functional status improved significantly across all measures following rehabilitation (all p < 0.001). No significant associations were observed between post-rehabilitation S-TT levels and functional outcomes. Conclusion: Rehabilitation significantly improved functional status in male patients with chronic ischemic stroke. Although post-rehabilitation S-TT levels were not associated with functional outcomes, the findings are exploratory and highlight the need for longitudinal studies to clarify the role of testosterone in post-stroke recovery.