Reliability of retrospective assignment of gross motor function classification system scores

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) is a widely used tool for classifying motor function in children with cerebral palsy.
• Reliability of GMFCS scoring is crucial for accurate assessment and treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the alternate forms reliability and inter-rater reliability of GMFCS scores.
• To determine if retrospective GMFCS score assignment is a reliable method.

Main Methods:

• Fifty children with cerebral palsy were assessed.
• Two physiotherapists independently assigned GMFCS scores to children based on database information.
• Scores were compared to assess inter-rater reliability and alternate forms reliability.

Main Results:

• High inter-rater reliability was observed, with kappa values of 0.84 and 0.95.
• Alternate forms reliability between direct and retrospective assessment was 0.79.
• These findings indicate strong agreement between different methods of GMFCS scoring.

Conclusions:

• Retrospective assignment of GMFCS scores is a reliable method.
• This supports the use of retrospective data for GMFCS classification in children with cerebral palsy.