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Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
Published on: June 20, 2020
Using the manual ability classification system in young adults with cerebral palsy and normal intelligence
Jetty van Meeteren1, Channah Nieuwenhuijsen, Arthur de Grund
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. j.vanmeeteren@erasmusmc.nl
Disability and Rehabilitation
|May 11, 2010
Summary
The Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) is applicable for young adults with cerebral palsy (CP) and normal intelligence, showing good reliability and correlation with functional activities. This system aids in understanding activity limitations and participation restrictions in this population.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) significantly impacts motor function, particularly manual ability.
- The Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) is validated for children with CP.
- The applicability of MACS in young adults with CP and normal intelligence requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and reliability of the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) in young adults with cerebral palsy (CP) and normal intelligence.
- To determine the relationship between MACS levels and other patient characteristics and functional outcomes.
- To evaluate MACS as a determinant of activity limitations and participation restrictions.
Main Methods:
- The study included 83 young adults with CP and normal intelligence (mean age 19.9 years).
- Inter-observer reliability of the MACS was assessed.
- Correlations between MACS and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, limb distribution, educational level, and upper extremity functional measures (Melbourne Assessment, Abilhand, FIM self-care) were investigated.
- Linear regression analysis examined MACS as a predictor of activity limitations and participation restrictions.
Main Results:
- The MACS demonstrated good inter-observer reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.83).
- Significant correlations were found between MACS and GMFCS level (0.53), limb distribution (0.46), and educational level (0.26).
- MACS showed moderate correlations with functional activity measures (-0.38 to -0.55) and was identified as an important determinant of activity limitations and participation restrictions, alongside GMFCS.
Conclusions:
- The Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) is a feasible and reliable tool for classifying manual ability in young adults with CP and normal intelligence.
- MACS provides valuable insights into functional limitations and participation restrictions in this demographic.
- The findings support the continued use and potential expansion of MACS in clinical and research settings for young adults with CP.
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