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How does the functional mobility scale relate to capacity-based measures of walking ability in children and youth
Nichola C Wilson1, Anna H Mackey, N Susan Stott
11Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand.
Insights
The six-minute walk test (6MWT) predicts functional mobility in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). While walking capacity is crucial, other factors also influence community mobility in children with CP.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) significantly impacts mobility in children.
- Functional mobility assessment is crucial for understanding daily functioning in children with CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) and walking capacity measures in children with spastic CP.
- To identify the predictive value of walking capacity tests for functional mobility ratings.
Main Methods:
- 143 children with spastic CP (GMFCS levels I-III) were assessed.
- Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) ratings were correlated with self-selected walking speed (WS), 1-minute walk test (1MWT), and 6-minute walk test (6MWT).
Main Results:
- Children scoring higher on the FMS demonstrated significantly better 6MWT performance.
- The 6MWT independently predicted 20-27% of the variance in FMS scores.
- Lower FMS scores (2-4) indicated reduced walking capacity but were not distinctly differentiated.
Conclusions:
- The 6MWT is a significant predictor of functional mobility in children with spastic CP.
- Walking capacity is a key factor, but other unmeasured variables contribute to community mobility in this population.
Abstract:
This study examined the relationship between walking performance rated on the Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) and measures of walking capacity in children with cerebral palsy (CP). A total of 143 participants with spastic CP (GMFCS levels I to III) were rated on the FMS and had assessment of self-selected walking speed (WS), fast 1 minute walk test (1MWT) and six minute walk test (6MWT). For each FMS distance, children rated 6 had significantly better 6MWT than children scored 5; children rated FMS 2, 3, or 4 had lower walking capacity measures but were not clearly distinguishable from each other. The 6MWT was an independent predictor of variation in FMS score, accounting for 20% to 27% of the variance across the three FMS distances. While walking capacity impacts on community mobility in children with CP much of the variance remains unexplained, suggesting that other factors play an important role.
