What is the energy need for severely restricted children with Cerebral Palsy?

The energy needs for children with Cerebral Palsy, particularly for those who are severely restricted in their activity, are typically estimated based on their height. In clinical practice, a common guideline is to use 10 kcal per centimeter of height. This calculation helps ensure that these children, who may have lower energy expenditure due to limited mobility and muscular control, receive sufficient calories to support growth and maintain health without exceeding their actual energy requirements, which could lead to obesity or other health issues.

This estimate of 10 kcal/cm tall aligns with nutritional recommendations for maintaining adequate energy balance while considering the physical limitations seen in this population. By providing this tailored energy requirement based on height, caregivers and healthcare providers can better cater to the specific dietary needs of children with Cerebral Palsy to secure their nutritional status effectively.