Relationship between linear growth, peripheral fat stores, and functional level in children with cerebral palsy

Physical development-linear growth and nutritional status-was assessed in children with cerebral palsy aged from 3 to 17 years. All children were divided into five functional levels according to their ability to perform independent gross motor actions using the Gross Motor Function Classification System for Cerebral Palsy. Triceps, subscapular and calf skinfolds were measured to calculate the total body fat % using Slaughter's equations. Linear segmental measurements (upper-arm length, tibial length and knee height) were used to estimate the body height. In growth and nutritional status children with cerebral palsy who could walk independently (functional level I-II) did not differ from healthy children. Cerebral palsy patients with a III-V functional level were shorter and malnourished in comparison to their healthy peers. Screening tests for the evaluation of height and nutritional level are proposed.