Body Composition and Chest Expansion of Type II and III Spinal Muscular Atrophy Patients

Abstract

Introduction: spinal muscular atrophy patients present muscle weakness, orthopedic problems, nutritional complications and respiratory impairment. Lean mass and fat mass modifications are also expected in this population. Objective: to verify the body composition and chest expansion of type II and III spinal muscular atrophy patients. Methods: fourteen individuals were evaluated: seven patients in Group I of 9 (7-12) years of age, weighing 29.7 (23.5-60.0) kg; and seven children without the disease in Group II of 9 (9-12) years, weighing 31.0 (27.8-54.1) kg. Patients' monofrequency bioelectrical impedance was used for analyze body composition. Chest, hip and abdominal girths were measured by a flexible steel tape. The SPSS program was used to statistical analysis (p < 0.05). Results: patients presented higher impedance: 1416.9 (850.5-1559.1) vs 788.0 (683.6-853.8), P < 0.05; and fat percentage: 31.2 (23.9-46.6) vs 19.1 (14.9-27.0)%, P < 0.05. The difference between forced inspiration and forced expiration thorax girth was smaller for patients when comparing to Group II: 3.0 (0.8-4.4) vs. 5.0 (3.9-6.5) cm, P<0.05. Conclusions: patients with spinal muscular atrophy presented higher adiposity and lower chest expansion.

Evaluation of physiological parameters before and after respiratory physiotherapy in newborns with acute viral bronchiolitis

“…It is also worth to note that this reduction was accompanied by SpO2 inversely proportional effect [ 5 ]. It is also important to mention that physiotherapy protocols in children are different from those applied in adults because it is related to chest expansion [ 13 , 14 ] These results, although applied in different population, corroborate the findings of this research, contributing to the clinical stability of infants.…”

Median ages at stages of sexual maturity and excess weight in school children

“…The subjects were classified as underweight (<2,500 g), normal weight (≥2,500 g–3,999 g) or overweight (≥4,000 g) [26]. …”

“…The classification of excess weight (≥25 kg/m) followed the recommendation of the World Health Organization [26]. …”

“…The weight of the schoolchildren at birth was provided by their parents or responsible, who were instructed to consult their health log books. The subjects were classified as underweight (<2,500 g), normal weight (≥2,500 g–3,999 g) or overweight (≥4,000 g) [ 26 ].…”

“…The nutritional state of the mother was evaluated by the BMI, with self-evaluated weight and stature. The classification of excess weight (≥25 kg/m) followed the recommendation of the World Health Organization [ 26 ].…”