**6.6 Spina Bifida Occulta**

Children with spina bifida have a higher first-year mortality rate in comparison with the general population [14]. Researchers have shown that children with Spina Bifida have increased sedentary behaviors and lower physical activity levels than their healthy counterparts [52]. This increases the risk of various comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, thrombosis, etc. Most commonly, this malformation is diagnosed later in life as it has no evident neurological manifestations and disabilities. The neurological symptoms may occur when the spinal cord faces damage or traction. In symptomatic patients, neurosurgical intervention is the main therapeutic method.
