Eating Patterns of Children with Cerebral Palsy by Table Utensil-Handling Skills

Kim, Jan Di; Bae, Yun Kyung; Cho, Mi Sook

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the eating patterns of children with cerebral palsy having motor disturbances as well as stiffness. The food habits, nutritional status, and snack intakes of 1 to 7 year-old children with cerebral palsy were examined. The subjects were grouped into three categories according to their table-utensil handling skills: superior, normal, and inferior. The children in the superior group were significantly taller and heavier compared to children in the other two groups. The %EARs of folic acid and total calorie intake were insufficient in all three groups; however, their %EARs of other nutrients were fully sufficient. When comparing the children's intake frequencies and preferences for snacks, the superior group showed a greater likelihood to consume various kinds of snacks than the inferior group. And the inferior group disliked more kinds of snacks than the other two groups. It was also shown that the inferior group had a significantly higher tendency for problems in chewing and swallowing. These results indicate that the development of table utensil-handling skills is very important for the food intake and growth of children with cerebral palsy, and the better their table utensil-handling skills the greater their physical development. Thus, considering their preference and intake frequency, it seems necessary that children in the inferior group be provided a greater variety of snacks and foods to receive more calories.