Abstract

GOMES, Vânia; CAMPOS, Maria Antónia  and  GREGORIO, Maria João. Relationship between motor function, feeding competences and weight of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. Acta Port Nutr [online]. 2016, n.6, pp.20-23. ISSN 2183-5985.  https://doi.org/10.21011/apn.2016.0604.

Introduction: Cerebral Palsy is the most common cause of motor disability in childhood. The associated changes of movement and posture often lead to feeding difficulties. The prevalence of these difficulties appears to be related to the severity of motor function and its consequences include long and stressful meals, respiratory diseases, dehydration and malnutrition. Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between motor function, feeding competencies and the weight of children and adolescents with Cerebral Palsy. Methodology: This study evaluated 73 children and adolescents between 3 and 18 years of age. Motor function was assessed using the Gross Motor Function Classification System and feeding competencies using the Eating and Drinking Classification System; percentiles of weight for age were determined through the specific growth charts for this population. Results: In terms of motor function, the level V of Gross Motor Function Classification System was the most common (60,3%). With regard to feeding competencies, level I of Eating and Drinking Classification System were the most representative (46,6%) and most children and adolescents were totally dependent to perform their feeding. The risk of being overweight was higher than the risk of low weight for age. It was found that, the greater the severity of motor function and feeding difficulties, the lower will be the percentil of weight-for-age. It was also found that major feeding difficulties are associated with the risk of a child or adolescent be underweight. Conclusions: It was confirmed that there is a relationship between motor function and feeding competencies of children and adolescents (greater severity of motor impairment is associated with higher feeding difficulties) and that major feeding difficulties determine their weight.

Keywords : Feeding competencies; Motor function; Cerebral palsy; Weight.

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