Faculty Collaboration Database

Total energy expenditure and body composition of children with developmental disabilities. Disabil Health J 2018 Jul;11(3):442-446

Date

01/14/2018

Pubmed ID

29329773

Pubmed Central ID

PMC6005723

DOI

10.1016/j.dhjo.2017.12.009

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85040100427 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   26 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Obesity prevalence is increased in children with developmental disabilities, specifically in children with spina bifida and Down syndrome. Energy expenditure, a critical aspect of weight management, has been extensively studied in the typically developing population, but not adequately studied in children with developmental disabilities.

OBJECTIVE: Determine energy expenditure, fat-free mass and body fat percentile and the impact of these findings on recommended caloric intake in children with spina bifida and Down syndrome.

METHODS/MEASURES: This pilot study included 36 children, 18 with spina bifida, 9 with Down syndrome and 9 typically developing children. Half of the children with spina bifida were non-ambulatory. Doubly labeled water was used to measure energy expenditure and body composition. Descriptive statistics described the sample and MANOVA and ANOVA methods were used to evaluate differences between groups.

RESULTS: Energy expenditure was significantly less for children with spina bifida who primarily used a wheelchair (p = .001) and children with Down syndrome (p = .041) when compared to children without a disability when adjusted for fat-free mass. However, no significant difference was detected in children with spina bifida who ambulated without assistance (p = .072).

CONCLUSIONS: Children with spina bifida and Down syndrome have a significantly decreased energy expenditure which directly impacts recommended caloric intake. No significant difference was detected for children with spina bifida who ambulated, although the small sample size of this pilot study may have limited these findings. Validating these results in a larger study is integral to supporting successful weight management of these children.

Author List

Polfuss M, Sawin KJ, Papanek PE, Bandini L, Forseth B, Moosreiner A, Zvara K, Schoeller DA

Author

Paula Papanek PhD, MPT, LAT, FACSM Associate Professor & Director of Exercise Science in the Exercise Science & Physical Therapy department at Marquette University

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adipose Tissue
Adolescent
Analysis of Variance
Body Composition
Body Fluid Compartments
Child
Child, Preschool
Developmental Disabilities
Disabled Children
Disabled Persons
Down Syndrome
Energy Intake
Energy Metabolism
Female
Humans
Male
Obesity
Pilot Projects
Spinal Dysraphism
Walking
Wheelchairs