Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2026
Enhancing the Development and Growth of Infant Cerebral Palsy Rats Using Selective Spinal Manipulations
Published on: February 2, 2024
Feasibility and clinical impact of a tailored nutritional protocol in pediatric elite athletes with cerebral palsy: A
Silvia Gallosti1, Ramona De Amicis1, Francesca Fedeli2
1IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Obesity Unit and Laboratory of Nutrition and Obesity Research, Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Milan, 20145, Italy; International Center for The Assessment of Nutritional Status and The Development of Dietary Intervention Strategies (Icans-Dis), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (Defens), University of Milan, Milan, 20133, Italy.
Background:
Elite athletes with Cerebral Palsy (CP) face high metabolic demands superimposed on clinical vulnerabilities, including malnutrition and gastrointestinal (GI) issues. This pilot case series explored the feasibility and clinical changes associated with a personalized nutritional intervention using targeted Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS).
Methods:
Seven pediatric high-functioning swimmers with CP (GMFCS I-II) were assessed longitudinally. We evaluated anthropometry, body composition (Arm Muscle Area [AMA], Fat-Free Mass [FFM]), Nutrient Adequacy Ratios (NAR), and GI symptoms at baseline and follow-up.
Results:
AMA and estimated FFM percentage increased (both p = 0.016), while estimated fat mass percentage decreased (p = 0.016). Reported calcium and vitamin D NARs increased to values at or above 1.0 (both p = 0.016). The GI Total Score decreased by more than 50% (p = 0.016), and constipation scores fell to zero among participants affected at baseline.
Conclusion:
An individualized nutritional strategy incorporating ONS was feasible and well tolerated and was associated with favorable changes in body composition estimates, micronutrient adequacy, and GI symptoms over 6 months. These exploratory findings cannot establish causality and require confirmation in larger, controlled studies.