Expanded and revised gross motor function classification system: study for Chinese school children with cerebral...

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Cerebral palsy (CP) significantly impacts motor function in children.
• Accurate assessment tools are crucial for effective management and rehabilitation.
• The Expanded and Revised Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFM-ER) is a widely used tool, but its Chinese version required validation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the GMFCS-ER for children with CP.
• To assess if parent raters differ from other professionals in their GMFCS-ER assessments.

Main Methods:

• The GMFCS-ER was translated into Chinese.
• 130 children with CP (aged 6-18) were assessed by physiatrists, physiotherapists, teachers, and parents.
• Inter-rater reliability was calculated using ICCs, and validity was assessed against the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM).

Main Results:

• High inter-rater reliability was observed overall (ICCs 0.84-0.92).
• Reliability was higher among healthcare professionals and teachers compared to parents for younger children (6-12 years).
• Criterion-related validity showed a strong negative correlation (r = -0.83) with GMFM scores.

Conclusions:

• The Chinese GMFCS-ER is a valid and reliable tool for assessing functional ability in school-aged children with CP.
• It is suitable for use by Chinese healthcare providers and parents.
• Consideration of environmental and personal factors is recommended during GMFCS-ER assessments.