Influence of initial nutritional status on rehabilitation potential and motor abilities of children with cerebral palsy after orthopedic single-event multilevel surgery

Abstract

Introduction. Protein-energy malnutrition in patients with cerebral palsy is an urgent problem. Given the high frequency of cerebral palsy orthopedic complications requiring surgical treatment, it is necessary to determine the impact of the initial nutritional status on the effectiveness of treatment. Purpose of the study: to analyze the impact of the initial nutritional status on the rehabilitation potential and motor abilities of children with cerebral palsy after orthopedic single-event multilevel surgeries. Materials and methods. The inclusion criteria were the age less than 18 years at the time of examination, spastic form of cerebral palsy, and a single-event multilevel surgical intervention due to orthopedic complications of cerebral palsy in medical history. Results. Lower indices of motor abilities after single-event multilevel surgeries were registered in patients with protein-energy malnutrition according to the FMS (5,50, and 500 meters) and the Gillette scale (p = 0.020, p = 0.026, p = 0.048, p = 0.008, respectively). Conclusion. The initial normal nutritional status before surgery has a positive effect on the rehabilitation potential and motor abilities of children with cerebral palsy after orthopedic single-event multilevel surgeries. Further research on this issue is needed.