SYNERGY OF NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT AND EXERCISE THERAPY IN OPTIMIZING THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF STUNTED TODDLERS BASED ON LOCAL WISDOM IN CIAJUR

Abstrak

Background: Stunting affects physical growth and motor development in toddlers. Combining nutritional support with exercise therapy may optimize growth and development outcomes.

Objective:This study aimed to analyze the effect of the synergy between nutritional support and exercise therapy on the growth and development of stunted toddlers.

Methods:This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest without control group approach. The sample consisted of 30 stunted toddlers aged 24–59 months selected using purposive sampling. The intervention included nutritional support based on standard dietary requirements for toddlers combined with exercise therapy focusing on gross motor activities and active play for eight weeks. Growth and development were assessed using anthropometric measurements (height-for-age z-score) and motor development was evaluated using the Pre-Screening Developmental Questionnaire (KPSP). Data analysis was conducted using a paired t-test.

Results:The results showed a significant improvement in motor development scores after the intervention (p < 0.05). The average KPSP score improved from the “questionable” category to the “age-appropriate” category. In addition, an improvement in height-for-age z-scores was observed, although not all participants moved out of the stunting category. The synergy of nutritional support and exercise therapy demonstrated a positive effect on optimizing the growth and development of stunted toddlers.

Conclusion:The combination of nutritional support and exercise therapy positively influences motor development and supports growth in stunted toddlers.