The progression of BMI status over time in Irish ambulant children with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND: An increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in children has been reported globally. Most studies examining the trajectory of BMI in children over time have tended to focus on children with typical development. Our group previously reported static prevalence rates in children with cerebral palsy. However, concern remains within our multi-disciplinary team that progression into higher BMI categories is apparent as children with cerebral palsy age. AIMS: To examine the progression of BMI status as children with cerebral palsy age and determine the severity of obesity. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of the National Movement Laboratory database yielding 574 participants that met inclusion criteria. BMI was calculated retrospectively, and age adjusted BMI centiles were used for analysis. A chi-square test for homogeneity was used to compare differences in proportions. Differences in age, weight and height between assessments were assessed using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. Statistical significance was set at p