Abstract
Abstract
Background
Malnutrition is common among children with cerebral palsy (CWCP); however, its impact on gross motor function (GMF) is not adequately reported. The study evaluated the influence of malnutrition and body composition on GMF.
Methods
In the cross-sectional survey, CWCP were recruited using purposive sampling from three selected secondary and tertiary hospitals in Kano, Nigeria. Sociodemographic variables were recorded on a data capture form. Anthropometric variables were measured using standard procedures. Percent (%) body fat, malnutrition, and GMF were assessed using skinfold thickness, screening tool for the assessment of malnutrition in pediatrics, and GMF classification system (GMFCS), respectively. The data was analyzed with one-way ANOVA, chi-square, and logistic regression using SPSS version 20 at p < 0.05.
Results
The 146 CWCP have mean age of 4.70 ± 2.46 years. About 95 (65.1%) are malnourished. Those with GMFCS V had lower %body fat and higher malnutrition than children with GMFCS II and I, respectively (p < 0.05). Malnutrition has no significant influence on GMF (B = 0.984, OR = 2.676; 95% CI = 0.965–7.423, p > 0.05). %body fat (B = −0.192, OR = 0.826; 95% CI = 0.687–0.992, p < 0.05), type of CP (OR = 12.106; 95% CI = 3.771–38.866, p < 0.005), child’s position in the family (OR = 1.639; 95% CI = 1.162–2.312, p < 0.05), and mothers’ education (B = −2.815, OR = 0.060; 95% CI = 0.012–0.309, p < 0.005) all predicted GMF.
Conclusions
Majority of the CWCP in this study are malnourished. But malnutrition did not however significantly predict GMF, meaning that though malnutrition could impair children’s physical growth and motor development, it however did not have significant influence on their motor function. Hence, CWCP undergoing rehabilitation may not likely experience significant decrease in their motor function due to inadequate nutrition. Decrease in body fat, type of CP, low level of mothers’ education, and child occupying 4th or more position in the family have negative influence on GMF. It was recommended that physiotherapists should routinely assess for malnutrition in CWCP. Prompt nutritional intervention may prevent considerable lose of body fat and augment the gains of physical rehabilitation by providing appropriate nutrition to support muscle growth and the supply of adequate energy for participation in physical exercise. Adequate caregiver education is important for ensuring satisfactory nutrition for CWCP.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Genetics,Animal Science and Zoology,General Medicine
Reference30 articles.
1. Adamu AS, Sabo UA, Gwarzo GD, Belonwu RO. Nutritional status in cerebral palsy: a cross-sectional comparative survey of children in Kano, Nigeria. Niger Postgrad Med J. 2018;25:156–60.
2. Lee JH, Lee EH, Choe EO. Study on eating habits and food preference for breakfast of elementary, middle, or high school students in the Incheon area. Korean J Food Cookery Sci. 2014;30:170–82.
3. Keunen K, van Elburg RM, van Bel F, Benders MJNL. Impact of nutrition on brain development and its neuro-protective implications following preterm birth. Pediatr Res. 2015;77(1-2):148–55.
4. Tomoum HY, Badawy NB, Hassan NE, Alian KM. Anthropometry and body composition analysis in children with cerebral palsy. Clin Nutr. 2010;29:477–81.
5. Badaru UM, Dabo LS, Nuhu JM, Ahmad RY, Abba MA, Shittu A. Body composition in children with cerebral palsy and its relationship with dynamic muscle strength, balance and energy cost of ambulation. BAJOPAS. 2019;12(2):176–81.