The effect of gender, nutrition and functional levels on body composition of the children with cerebral palsy

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship functional situation with body composition (BC) and the effect of nutrition, ambulation situation in children with cerebral palsy (SP) on body mass index. To tahat end, 278 children diagnosed (SP) between 2 and 18 years old and divided dinto 3 groups depending on their ages (two-five, six-eleven, twelve-eighteen) are included in thes study. The physical and demographic information of families and children were obtained with the applied survey method. Motor development level of children was evaluated via Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS); their spasticity was evaluated via Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS); their functional independence level was evaluated via WeeFIM and lastly their quality of life was evaluated via Children?s Health Questionnaire (CHQ PF-50). Information regarding nutrition in children (nutrition style, food the food type predominantly consumed on a daily basis, the number of meals and nourishment duration) was determined by the prepared questionnaire form. Length and environmental measurement of upper and lower limbs and also fat measuring were performed in order to evaluate body composition. Even though no relationship between body mass index and age and gender has been found out (p>0.05) in each three groups, a correlation between gender and body density and fat percentage has been ascertained (p<0.05). According to GMFCS according to GMFCS, which can not be ambulated, the rate of being low weight has been observed higher in children at four and five level. In our study, it has been found that in our study, it has been found that, children at four and five level experience more nourishment and digestion, according to GMFCS (r=-0.165* p<0.05). It has also been ascertained that it has also been ascertained that children having medium and strong involvement have more growth problems. Besides, there is a significant correlation between the quality of life, functional situation and nutrition style, nutrition duration and nourishment problem. Since the nourishment problems seen on the children whit (SP) having medium and strong involvement directly affect their motor functions and quality of lives, it is a crucial detail to be attentively emphasized within the concept of modern-day rehabilitation.Key Words: Cerebral Palsy, Body Mass Index, Nutrition, Gross Motor Function, Life Quality.