In children with cerebral palsy, bone density is decreased by disturbance of bone remodelling due to lack of normal weight bearing and muscle contraction through physical activity. Loss of bone density cause fracture, delays treatment with immobilization, and leads to functional limitation. The purpose of this study was to investigate bone mineral density of lumbar spine in children with spastic quadriplegia and diplegia. Six spastic quadriplegia and 14 spastic diplegia were evaluated in this study. QDR 4500 X-ray densitometer was used to measure bone density at lumbar spine (L1~L4). Children with cerebral palsy showed lower bone density than that of normal children. Bone density in children with spastic quadriplegia and diplegia was , , respectively. However, there was no significant differences in bone density between children with spastic quadriplegia and diplegia. There was no significant difference in bone density relation to motor development level, height, and weight. Further study is needed to find the appropriate interventions for preventing loss of bone density in children with cerebral palsy.

• 송주영(대구대학교 대학원 재활과학과 물리치료전공) | Song Ju-young
• 김진상(대구대학교 물리치료학과) | Kim Jin-sang