Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the energy allowance of severely handicapped children. The activity during the daily life of 30 severely handicapped children was examined and the energy expenditure was determined. These children were divided into 4 groups. The classification of the groups and the number of these children were as in the following; group I was walking (9), group II was creeping (7), group III was sitting up in bed (4), group IV was lying (10). Activity index (X) was calculated by the energy expenditure in each group. Since these children were in their developing stage, the weight increment of 134 severely handicapped children for one year was obtained to take the weight increase index (G), and the calculating way for the energy allowance was examined.
The following results were obtained: 1) The time systems of the daily life of these children were different from the motor functions. Children spending their time in a bed for 80 to 90% of a day in group IV should improve their daily activities. 2) Life activity indices of each group were; group I 0.18, group II 0.12, group III 0.08, group IV 0.05. These indices were almost same as the healthy children except group I. 3) Weight increase indices (G) were, 0.08 in children under one year, 0.02 in 2 to 4 years old, 0.01 in 15 to 19 and 0 over 20. Weight increase index (G) was added to life activity index (X). 4) The mean of the energy allowance estimated from our results was 927 kcal/day. The mean of it's ST% was 41.
