Assessment of growth and nutrition in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

This manuscript provides an update on the assessment of growth and nutrition in children with cerebral palsy and children with similar neurodevelopmental disabilities. Topics include the assessment of linear growth using segmental measures, avoidance of commonly used tools to assess nutritional status in typically developing children that are not valid in this population of children and how to use other nutritional assessment tools that have been developed specific to this population of children.

Parent‐reported indicators for detecting feeding and swallowing difficulties and undernutrition in preschool‐aged children with cerebral palsy

“…This resulted in insufficient numbers for analysis. Similarly, owing to feasibility, undernutrition in this study was limited to anthropometric measurements, in contrast to a comprehensive dietetic assessment, which includes feeding history, anthropometry, multiple skinfolds, and serum nutritional markers, in longitudinal repeated assessments …”

Nutritional management of children with cerebral palsy

“…[1][2][3] Determining the need for nutrition intervention in children with CP requires the use of multiple methodologies. 4,5 Indicators may include the following: 2,6 Plateaus in weight gain or growth resulting in deviation from an established 'pattern'. Evidence of low body-fat stores in combination with low weight in respect to height or length.…”

Characteristics of growth and development of children With cerebral palsy

“…This frequency is slightly higher in men than in women. In patients with hemiparesis, the incidence of shock was reduced to 64% of normal [1]. To limit the maximum speed of finger tapping can damage joints, stimulate early training.…”

“…The size of the lag of children with cerebral palsy (cerebral palsy) in longitudinal body growth and development is well documented [1][2][3]. However, it is important to assess the compensatory potential of the body in different age periods.…”

“…Tepping test using computer programs is now widely used to evaluate the types of the nervous system [5]. During the test, 3 factors are important: time, spatial amplitude and frequency of motion [1]. Options with different duration determine the maximum frequency of movements allow to evaluate the lability and because of the process of excitation of the nervous system, as well as the severity of psychomotor attitudes on optimization efforts, when the best results are achieved when a uniform rate of movement [6].…”