Skip to main navigation Skip to search Skip to main content

Bone Mineral Density in Children with Cerebral Palsy: Associations with Anthropometric and Clinical Characteristics—A Cross-Sectional Study

  • Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia
  • Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of neurological disability in children and is frequently associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) and increased risk of fractures. This study aimed to assess BMD in children with CP, compare it with normative standards, and explore potential associations with anthropometric parameters and the clinical characteristics of children with CP. Methods: Thirty-six children with CP aging 6–15 years from both sexes with varying levels of Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) and spasticity were evaluated. Areal BMD and Z-scores (total and subtotal) were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Regression analysis identified predictors of BMD. Results: Children with GMFCS levels III–V had significantly lower total and subtotal Z-scores compared to those with levels I–II (p = 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively). Total Z-score was significantly predicted by weight (β = 1.02, p = 0.002), height (β = −0.72, p = 0.02), and sedentary time (β = −0.47, p = 0.005). “No walking” was the only significant predictor for subtotal Z-score (β = −0.50, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Children with moderate to severe CP exhibited significantly lower BMD, particularly those with limited ambulation and higher spasticity levels. These findings underscore the importance of early screening and targeted interventions to optimize bone health in this population.

Original languageEnglish
Article number894
JournalChildren
Volume12
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2025

Keywords

  • ambulation
  • bone mineral density
  • cerebral palsy
  • physical activity
  • spasticity

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Bone Mineral Density in Children with Cerebral Palsy: Associations with Anthropometric and Clinical Characteristics—A Cross-Sectional Study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this