Metabolic, cardiorespiratory, and neuromuscular fitness performance in children with cerebral palsy: A comparison with healthy youth

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess metabolic, cardiorespiratory, and neuromuscular fitness parameters in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) and to compare these findings with typically developing children. 40 children with CP (21 males, 19 females; mean age, 11.0±3.3 yr; range, 6.5–17.1 yr; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels 1 or 2) and 40 healthy, age- and sex-matched children completed a test battery that consisted of 8 tests and 28 measures that assessed cardio-respiratory fitness, energy expenditure, anaerobic endurance, muscle strength, agility, stability and flexibility. Children with CP had significantly lower performance (P<0.05) on most cardiorespiratory and metabolic tests than those of healthy children, Differences in neuromuscular measures of muscular strength, speed, agility, anaerobic endurance, and flexibility between groups were most apparent. Grouped differences in cardiorespiratory variables revealed a 25% difference in performance, whereas grouped differences in metabolic and neuromuscular measures were 43% and 60%, respectively. The physical fitness of contemporary children with CP is significantly less than healthy, age-matched children. Significant differences in neuromuscular measures between groups can aid in the identification of specific fitness abilities in need of improvement in this population.

<p>Prevalence of high-burden medical conditions and health care resource utilization and costs among adults with cerebral palsy</p>

“…and obesity-related health complications.) 34 Evidence suggests that children with CP have poor cardiorespiratory fitness 35 and excess body 4 and abdominal 3 fat compared to children without CP. Excess body fat in childhood is a strong predictor of cardiometabolic morbidity and mortality in adulthood, 36,37 and elevated abdominal fat may have a unique and profound influence on cardiometabolic disease processes.…”

<p>Incidence Rate of Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Among Privately Insured Adults with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities</p>

“…While the cause and etiology of NDDs vary, the greater likelihood of having complex and unmet healthcare needs, as well as the lack of clinical knowledge about their healthful aging process, are commonalities linking all types of individuals with NDDs. Children with NDDs have low fitness levels, 5,6 excess body fat, [7][8][9][10] poor psychosocial development, 4 and orthopedic issues. 7,11,12 Having complex healthcare needs throughout growth and development could have long-term and lasting implications on adult health status.…”

Nontrauma fracture increases risk for respiratory disease among adults with cerebral palsy

“…The burden of post‐NTFx disease sequela may affect adults with CP more so than the general population because of their overall poorer health status. Studies have shown that children with CP have poor fitness levels, 37 low physical activity, 4 and excess regional 4,38 and total body 39 fat compared to typically developing children and that adults with CP have increased risk for early development of several high burden chronic diseases and multimorbidity, including cardiovascular disease, 9,17 kidney, and liver disease, and mental health disorders 17 . It is possible that the greater lifetime burden of unhealthful aging predisposes adults with CP to adverse postfracture complications, including RD.…”