Test-Retest Reliability of the D and E Components of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) in Bilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy Children

Background Cerebral palsy CP is defined as the group of permanent disorders affecting the development of movement and posture causing activity limitations attributed to non-progressive disturbances occurring in the developing foetus or infant brain. In bilateral spastic cerebral palsy the lower limbs are affected more than the upper limbs. The Gross Motor Function Measure GMFM is a criterion referenced observational measure that was developed and validated to assess motor functions in children with cerebral palsy.Objective To examine how the rate of change in GMFM score varies with age and severity of motor disability in children.Method An observational study was conducted to determine the test-retest reliability of the D and E components of the GMFM. A total of 21 cerebral palsy children were recruited. Each participant was assessed using the D and E components with the retest performed after a washout period of no less than 96 hours and no more than 144 hours.Results The results demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability P 0.91 of the D and E components of the GMFM.Conclusion The D and E components of the GMFM exhibited excellent test-retest reliability in bilateral spastic cerebral palsy children. These components of the GMFM can be administrated individually in clinical settings to assess mobility in this group of patients.