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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.
Insights
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.
Purpose:
To examine the impact and utility of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) for children with cerebral palsy (CP) in research and clinical settings through a scoping review of publications from July 2003 to December 2008.
Methods:
An online literature search was performed to retrieve relevant abstracts for classification according to GMFCS use.
Results:
There has been a steadily increasing use of the GMFCS over the previous decade. Ongoing research was identified on the GMFCS measurement properties, as well as its use in validation of other tools. Observational and experimental studies continued to be the primary use of the GMFCS. Some studies discussed the GMFCS in clinical practice with respect to examination and evaluation.
Conclusions:
The GMFCS is clearly established as a principal classification system for children with CP as demonstrated by excellent uptake in research; however, literature on its clinical use is emerging more slowly over time. More emphasis on the clinical utility of the GMFCS in the published literature would be helpful.
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