Body composition in children with cerebral palsy and its relationship with dynamic muscle strength, balance and energy cost of ambulation

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) causes walking disability in children which could lead to profound changes in body composition. This study assessed relationship between body composition and each of dynamic muscle strength, mobility and energy cost of ambulation (ECA) among children with CP. The cross sectional survey, recruited participants from a secondary and a tertiary hospitals in Kano. Body composition was assessed with BMI for age charts and skin fold calipher. Dynamic muscle strength, balance and ECA were assessed with step-up test, time-up-and-go test and physiological cost index respectively. Data was analysed with Pearson Product Moment Correlation and unpaired t test at alpha level of P<0.05 using SPSS version 20 and Microsof excel. Twenty four children took part in the study, 13 (54.2%) females and 11(45.8%) males. Their mean age was 10.0 ± 4.6 years. Majority of them 17 (70.8%) were underweight. The mean percent body fat score was 11.78±3.85, with females having significantly higher amount of body fat than males (t=-3.37; P=0.003). There were no significant correlations between body compositon and each of dynamic muscle strength, balance and ECA (p>0.05). It was concluded that about two-thirds of the children with CP in the study are underweight and having low percent body fat. Body composition may not have significant influence on the muscle strength, stability and the energy expended during walking function. Paediatricians and physiotherapists should encourage caregivers of children with CP to feed them with balanced diet in order to avoid diseases associated with malnutrition.