Design and validation of kineanthropometric measurement protocols in adult population with cerebral palsy

Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) face a high risk of malnutrition, yet most nutritional assessment methods have been developed for children. Despite the known anatomical and functional heterogeneity in adults with CP, there is a lack of validated, adapted tools for this population. This study aims to design and validate a specific anthropometric method for assessing the nutritional status of adults with CP, addressing this critical gap in clinical and research practice.

This cross-sectional study consisted of two phases. First, anthropometric measurements were performed on 47 adults with CP to identify practical challenges and design an adapted protocol. In the second phase, this protocol was applied to 74 healthy adults trained to simulate the postural limitations commonly observed in individuals with CP (e.g., asymmetries, spasticity-related contractures), based on direct observation in the CP group. Measurements obtained with the adapted method were statistically compared to those obtained using the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) reference protocol.

The adapted protocol accounts for the anatomical and functional challenges of individuals with CP by allowing measurements to be performed in a supine position or with limbs flexed or extended, as necessary. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between the adapted protocol and the ISAK reference method for any of the anthropometric measurements. These results confirm that the modified approach yields accurate and reliable assessments of nutritional status in adults with CP.

The anatomical and functional limitations of adults with CP present significant challenges to traditional ISAK methodology. However, the adapted protocol, performed in a supine position by trained anthropometrists, produces comparable results. Key indicators such as Arm Muscle Area, Arm Adipose Area, and the Adipose-Muscular Index can reliably assess the nutritional status of this population, offering a viable alternative for clinical and research applications..