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Association between gross motor function and nutritional status in children with cerebral palsy: a cross-sectional
Elizabeth Herrera-Anaya1, Adriana Angarita-Fonseca2, Víctor M Herrera-Galindo3
1School of Nutrition and Dietetics, Epidemiological Observatory of Cardiovascular Diseases Research Group, Industrial University of Santander, Bucaramanga;
Insights
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) and severe motor impairments face higher risks of malnutrition and stunting. Early nutritional support is crucial for improving health outcomes in pediatric CP patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Nutritional Science
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting motor function in children.
- Nutritional status is a critical factor influencing the health and development of children with CP.
- Understanding the link between motor function and nutrition is vital for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between gross motor function and nutritional status in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
- To identify specific nutritional challenges faced by children with CP based on their motor function levels.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 177 children (ages 2-12) with CP in Bucaramanga, Colombia.
- Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) used to assess motor function (Levels I-V).
- Nutritional status evaluated using WHO growth charts; statistical analysis employed linear and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Children in higher GMFCS levels (IV and V) showed significantly poorer weight-for-age, height-for-age, and BMI-for-age z-scores compared to Level I.
- Higher GMFCS levels were associated with increased likelihood of malnutrition (OR 5.64) and stunting (OR 8.42).
- A direct correlation was observed between the severity of gross motor dysfunction and the prevalence of malnutrition and stunting.
Conclusions:
- Malnutrition and stunting are prevalent in children with CP, particularly those with severe motor impairments.
- Gross motor dysfunction is a significant risk factor for malnutrition and stunting in pediatric CP.
- Interventions addressing nutritional status are essential for children with CP, especially those with limited mobility.
Aim:
To determine the association between gross motor function and nutritional status in children with cerebral palsy (CP) residing in an urban area in a developing country.
Method:
We conducted a cross-sectional study in 177 children (ages 2-12y, 59.3% male) with a diagnosis of CP who were attending rehabilitation centres in Bucaramanga, Colombia (2012-2013). A physiotherapist evaluated patients using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS, levels I to V). Nutritional status was evaluated by nutritionists and classified according to the World Health Organization growth charts. We used linear and multinomial logistic regression methods to determine the associations.
Results:
There were 39.5%, 6.8%, 5.6%, 16.4%, and 31.6% patients classified in levels I to V respectively. The mean adjusted differences for weight-for-age, height-for-age, BMI-for-age, and height-for-weight z-scores were significantly larger for children classified in levels II to V compared with those in level I. The children classified in levels IV and V were more likely to have malnutrition (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 5.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.27-14.0) and stunting (OR 8.42; 95% CI 2.90-24.4) than those classified in GMFCS levels I to III.
Interpretation:
Stunting and malnutrition are prevalent conditions among paediatric patients with CP, and both are directly associated with higher levels of gross motor dysfunction.
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