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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
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Quantified Assessment of Infant's Gross Motor Abilities Using a Multisensor Wearable
Published on: May 17, 2024
The gross motor function classification system: an update on impact and clinical utility.
Laura Gray1, Hennie Ng, Doreen Bartlett
1School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) is widely used in cerebral palsy (CP) research. However, its application in clinical practice for children with CP requires further emphasis in published literature.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting motor function.
- Standardized classification systems are crucial for research and clinical management of CP.
- The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) is a widely adopted tool.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) utility.
- To analyze GMFCS impact in both research and clinical settings for children with cerebral palsy (CP).
- To assess GMFCS applications in publications between July 2003 and December 2008.
Main Methods:
- Performed an online literature search to identify relevant studies.
- Screened abstracts for classification based on GMFCS usage.
- Conducted a scoping review of selected publications.
Main Results:
- Observed a consistent increase in GMFCS utilization over the decade reviewed.
- Identified ongoing research into GMFCS measurement properties and its role in validating other tools.
- Noted continued primary use of GMFCS in observational and experimental studies, with some clinical application discussions.
Conclusions:
- The GMFCS is firmly established as a primary classification system for children with CP, evidenced by strong research adoption.
- Literature detailing the clinical utility of the GMFCS is emerging at a slower pace.
- Increased focus on the clinical application of the GMFCS in published research is recommended.
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