Mathematical model for body fat percentage of children with cerebral palsy

Abstract Introduction The aim of this study was to develop a specific mathematical model to estimate the body fat percentage (BF%) of children with cerebral palsy, based on a Brazilian population of patients with this condition. Method This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study included 63 Caucasian children with cerebral palsy, both males and females, aged between three and ten-years-old. Participants were assessed for functional motor impairment using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and skinfold thickness. Total body mass (TBM) and skinfolds thickness from: triceps (Tr), biceps (Bi), Suprailiac (Si), medium thigh (Th), abdominal (Ab), medial calf (Ca) and subscapular (Se) were collected. Fat mass (FM) was estimated by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (gold standard). Results The model was built from multivariate linear regression; FM was set as a dependent variable and other anthropometric variables, age and sex, were set as independent variables. The final model was established as F%=((0.433xTBM + 0.063xTh + 0.167xSi - 6.768) ÷ TBM) × 100, the R2 value was 0.950, R2adjusted=0.948 and the standard error of estimate was 1.039 kg. Conclusion This method was shown to be valid to estimate body fat percentage of children with cerebral palsy. Also, the measurement of skinfolds on both sides of the body showed good results in this modelling.

Descrição do Protocolo PediaSuitTM / Description of the Pediasuit ProtocolTM

INTRODUCTION: PediaSuit ProtocolTM is an intensive therapy with a holistic approach to the treatment of individuals with neurological disorders like cerebral palsy (CP), developmental delays, traumatic brain injuries, autism and other conditions which affect a child's motor and/or cognitive functions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present work is to describe the PediaSuit ProtocolTM. METHODS: The authors team remained two months observing the care provided in a clinic with physical therapists trained by the PediaSuit ProtocolTM team (USA). RESULTS: The PediaSuitTM is a therapeutic protocol which uses a suit combined with intensive physical therapy and consists of up to four hours of therapy a day, five days a week, during three or four weeks. The PediaSuit ProtocolTM is customized to fit the needs of each child, with specific functional goals, and usually involves an intensive rehabilitation program. It combines the best elements of various techniques and methods, and has a sound rationale based on exercise physiology. CONCLUSION: This protocol anticipates results obtained only with long periods of conventional physical therapy.

INTRODUÇÃO: O Protocolo PediaSuitTM é uma terapia intensiva com uma abordagem holística para o tratamento de indivíduos com distúrbios neurológicos, como paralisia cerebral (PC), atrasos de desenvolvimento, lesões cerebrais traumáticas, autismo e outras condições que afetam as funções motoras e/ou cognitivas de uma criança. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente trabalho foi descrever o Protocolo PediaSuitTM. MÉTODOS: A equipe de autores permaneceu dois meses observando os cuidados prestados em uma clínica com fisioterapeutas treinados pela equipe PediaSuit ProtocolTM (EUA). RESULTADOS: O PediaSuitTM é um protocolo terapêutico que utiliza um traje especial combinado com a terapia física intensiva, com duração de até quatro horas por dia, cinco dias por semana, durante três ou quatro semanas. O Protocolo PediaSuitTM é personalizado para atender às necessidades de cada criança, com objetivos específicos, e, geralmente, envolve um programa intensivo de reabilitação. Ele combina os melhores elementos de várias técnicas e métodos e tem bons fundamentos com base na fisiologia do exercício. CONCLUSÃO: Esse protocolo antecipa resultados obtidos somente com longos períodos de fisioterapia tradicional.