Feeding challenges, dietary adaptations, and nutritional support in individuals with cerebral palsy
Journal
Hrvatska revija za rehabilitacijska istraživanja
Date Issued
2025-06-20
Author(s)
Arsovski, Denis
Joldeska, Elizabeta
DOI
https://doi.org/10.31299/hrri.61.1.4
Abstract
Abstract: Background: Cerebral palsy is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects movement, muscle tone, and motor skills,
often causing feeding difficulties. Individuals with cerebral palsy experience dysphagia, prolonged meal durations, and increased
dependency on caregivers for feeding assistance. It is important to understand the relationship between mobility impairments,
feeding dependency, and dietary adaptations for optimising nutritional intake and quality of life.
Objective: This research aims to analyse the feeding difficulties faced by individuals with cerebral palsy, assess the influence
of mobility limitations on feeding dependency, and examine dietary adaptations required to ensure adequate nutrition.
Methods: A cross-sectional study, involving 37 participants with cerebral palsy, was conducted using caregiver-reported
questionnaires. Variables examined include mobility status, feeding dependency, meal duration, dietary preferences, and feeding
methods. Statistical analyses (χ² tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests) were used to determine the relationship
between feeding dependency, nutritional intake, and mobility impairments.
Results: The results showed correlation between mobility limitations and feeding dependency (χ² = 42.83, p < 0.001).
Participants with greater mobility impairments were more likely to consume blended or liquid diets and experience prolonged
meal durations (H = 20.03, p < 0.001). Caregiver support played an important role in feeding adaptation and efficiency.
Conclusion: Feeding difficulties in individuals with cerebral palsy are influenced by mobility impairments and dietary
adaptations. The study focuses on the need for individualised nutritional plans, assistive feeding tools, and structured meal
environments. Multidisciplinary approaches with speech therapists, dietitians, and occupational therapists are important for
feeding independence and improving general health outcomes in individuals with cerebral palsy
often causing feeding difficulties. Individuals with cerebral palsy experience dysphagia, prolonged meal durations, and increased
dependency on caregivers for feeding assistance. It is important to understand the relationship between mobility impairments,
feeding dependency, and dietary adaptations for optimising nutritional intake and quality of life.
Objective: This research aims to analyse the feeding difficulties faced by individuals with cerebral palsy, assess the influence
of mobility limitations on feeding dependency, and examine dietary adaptations required to ensure adequate nutrition.
Methods: A cross-sectional study, involving 37 participants with cerebral palsy, was conducted using caregiver-reported
questionnaires. Variables examined include mobility status, feeding dependency, meal duration, dietary preferences, and feeding
methods. Statistical analyses (χ² tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests) were used to determine the relationship
between feeding dependency, nutritional intake, and mobility impairments.
Results: The results showed correlation between mobility limitations and feeding dependency (χ² = 42.83, p < 0.001).
Participants with greater mobility impairments were more likely to consume blended or liquid diets and experience prolonged
meal durations (H = 20.03, p < 0.001). Caregiver support played an important role in feeding adaptation and efficiency.
Conclusion: Feeding difficulties in individuals with cerebral palsy are influenced by mobility impairments and dietary
adaptations. The study focuses on the need for individualised nutritional plans, assistive feeding tools, and structured meal
environments. Multidisciplinary approaches with speech therapists, dietitians, and occupational therapists are important for
feeding independence and improving general health outcomes in individuals with cerebral palsy
Subjects
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Loading...
Name
HRRI - vol 61-1-04.pdf
Size
481.7 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum
(MD5):c2c6f495a7b16f9a71f1da7610dba583