Abstract
BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a prevalent and serious concern in adult survivors of stroke, often worsening their clinical status and leading to a poor prognosis. However, the effectiveness of nutritional interventions in this population remains uncertain. Furthermore, the impact of nutritional support on functional recovery, especially in relation to rehabilitation outcomes, has not been sufficiently investigated. OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aims to synthesize evidence from existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine whether nutrient supplements confer measurable benefits in poststroke rehabilitation, with overall mortality as the primary outcome and multiple relevant indicators as secondary outcomes. METHODS: RCTs that compare nutrient supplements and a standard diet or placebo supplements in adult survivors of stroke will be included. Literature searches will be conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and Cochrane Library databases. Two reviewers will independently perform the processes of literature retrieval, screening, data extraction, and assessment of risk of bias. Risk of bias in included studies will be evaluated using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for RCTs. Review Manager will be used for data pooling. Subgroup analysis, trial sequential analysis, and sensitivity analysis will be conducted. RESULTS: This study was funded in 2023 (2023ZDFC0301) and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251028426) prior to initiation. As of November 25, 2025, literature screening has not yet started. The planned timeline is as follows: complete literature screening by February 28, 2026; finalize full-text assessment and data extraction by May 30, 2026; conclude trial sequential analysis by June 30, 2026; and complete manuscript preparation for publication by July 30, 2026. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis will provide evidence for the efficacy of nutritional interventions in adult poststroke rehabilitation, which may inform clinical guidelines and optimize rehabilitation strategies for this vulnerable population.