Physical activity as a clinical tool in the assessment of malnutrition.

OBJECTIVE To measure physical activity in children with wasting and to look for association between poor physical activity and wasting. METHODS Physical activity was measured in 56 children with wasting, using Childrens Activity Rating Scale, and compared with age- and sex-matched controls. RESULTS A significant association was found between poor physical activity and malnutrition as determined by weight-for-height Z Score <-2 (P=0.001) and mid-upper-arm circumference (P=0.002). MAIN CONCLUSION Physical activity can be used as clinical parameter to assess malnutrition.