MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

The aim of the research was to examine morphological status of children with cerebral palsy of primary school age, and to determine whether significant differences exist in relation to children with no disability. The research composes of total sample of 60 examinees. The first subsample of 30 examinees was made of children with cerebral palsy of average chronological age of 10-14 years, of which 50% were female examinees and 50% of male examinees. The second subsample is made of children with no disabilities aged 10-14 years, of equable sex as in the first subsample of examinees, chosen by random choice method (N=30). Measuring of anthropometric characteristics was done by method of International biological program, for which instruments of standard construction were used, previously calibrated and daily controlled before use. Research data were processed by method of parametric and non-parametric statistics. For the aim of check-up of set research, a t-test was applied for independent sample of examinees. Research results have shown that, in relation to skin folds, children with cerebral palsy have, in relation to children with no disability, accomplished significant difference on variables "Upper arm skin fold" (t=-2, 67; p <= 0,01), "Forearm skin fold" (t=-3,11; p <= 0,01), "Thigh skin fold" (t=-5,37; p <= 0,01),"Double chin skin fold" (t=-3,98; p <= 0,01), "Back skin fold" (t=-3,06; p <= 0,01) and "Stomach skin fold" (t=-3,49; p <= 0,01). On basis of gained research results, it can be concluded that children with no disability in relation to children with cerebral palsy are on level of statistical importance taller, heavier, but children with cerebral palsy in relation to children of typical development have higher values of sub dermal adipose tissue.