Physical Activity Levels and Adiposity in Ambulant Children and Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy Compared With Their Typically Developing Peers

Purpose: This study assessed physical activity (PA) and body composition of ambulatory children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) and their typically developing peers. Methods: Participants included youth with CP (ages 8-18 y and Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] levels I-III) and their typically developing peers. Outcomes included PA (actigraphy) and fat/lean mass index (FMI/LMI; dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). Statistical analyses included linear mixed effects models with Bonferroni adjustment. Fixed effects were study group (CP and typically developing); random effects were participant clusters (sex and age). Exploratory analyses included association of body composition and PA, GMFCS level, and CP involvement (unilateral and bilateral). Results: Seventy-eight participants (CP: n = 40, girls: n = 29; GMFCS I: n = 20; GMFCS II: n = 14; GMFCS III: n = 6) met inclusion criteria. Individuals with CP had lower moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA; beta = -12.5; 98.3% confidence interval, -22.6 to -2.5 min; P = .004) and lower LMI (beta = -1.1; 97.5% confidence interval, -2.1 to -0.0 kg/m2; P = .020). Exploratory analyses indicated increased LMI with greater MVPA (P = .001), reduced MVPA for GMFCS II (P = .005) and III (P = .001), increased sedentary time for GMFCS III (P = .006), and greater fat mass index with unilateral motor impairment (P = .026). Conclusions: The findings contribute to the knowledge base of increasing MVPA and LMI deficits with the greater functional impact of CP. Associations of increasing LMI with greater MVPA support efforts targeting enhanced PA participation to promote independent mobility.

Automated summary

This study examined the physical activity and body composition of ambulatory children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) compared to their typically developing peers. The results showed that individuals with CP had lower levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity and lower lean mass index. Further analysis revealed a positive association between lean mass index and physical activity, as well as reduced physical activity in individuals with CP at GMFCS II and III levels. These findings are important for promoting physical activity and improving muscle mass in individuals with CP.