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Updated: Dec 26, 2025

Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Published on: January 12, 2019
A short form of gross motor function measure for Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy
Takatoshi Sato1, Michiru Adachi2, Aya Matsuo2
1Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Women's Medical University, School of Medicine, 8-1 Kawadacho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan.
Objectives:
The objective of this study was to confirm the validity of a short form of gross motor function measure for Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy (GMFM for FCMD).
Methods:
This study is a case series and was conducted at the Tokyo Women's Medical University. Fifteen patients with FCMD were assessed using both the GMFM for FCMD with 68 items, which was created as a motor function measure for patients with FCMD on the basis of Rasch analysis, and the original GMFM with 88 items. The correlation between the GMFM for FCMD and the Ueda classification was assessed. Time required for each assessment was also evaluated.
Results:
We found significant correlation between the GMFM for FCMD and the Ueda classification (r = 0.935); furthermore, the mean assessment time tended to decrease when using the GMFM for FCMD.
Conclusions:
GMFM for FCMD may be an appropriate motor function scale for patients with FCMD and might help decrease the assessment time.
Insights
The short form of the Gross Motor Function Measure for Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy (GMFM for FCMD) is a valid tool. This GMFM for FCMD may also reduce assessment time for patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy (FCMD) is a rare genetic neuromuscular disorder.
- Accurate assessment of motor function is crucial for managing FCMD.
- Existing measures may be time-consuming or not specifically validated for FCMD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate a shortened version of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) specifically for FCMD (GMFM for FCMD).
- To assess the correlation between the GMFM for FCMD and the Ueda classification system.
- To evaluate the efficiency of the GMFM for FCMD in terms of assessment time.
Main Methods:
- A case series involving fifteen patients with FCMD at Tokyo Women's Medical University.
- Comparison of the 68-item GMFM for FCMD (developed using Rasch analysis) with the original 88-item GMFM.
- Assessment of the correlation between GMFM for FCMD scores and the Ueda classification.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation (r = 0.935) was observed between the GMFM for FCMD and the Ueda classification.
- The GMFM for FCMD demonstrated a tendency towards reduced assessment time compared to the original GMFM.
Conclusions:
- The GMFM for FCMD appears to be a valid and appropriate motor function scale for individuals with FCMD.
- This shorter measure may offer a more time-efficient assessment tool for clinicians and patients.

