Measures of Motor and Functional Skills for Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review
Authors:
Ferre-Fernández, M., Murcia-González, M. A., Barnuevo Espinosa, M. D., and Ríos-Díaz, J.
Abstract:
PURPOSE: To review the level of evidence of the psychometric properties of outcome measures for motor or functional skills for children with cerebral palsy classified across I to V levels of the Gross Motor Function Classification System.
METHODS: A systematic search was completed in PubMed/MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, CINAHL, and 4 complementary databases. The COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist and the updated criteria for good measurement properties were applied to assess the quality.
RESULTS: Four outcome measures were identified from 12 articles: Gross Motor Function Measure, Gross Motor Performance Measure, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, and Functional Independence Measure for Children. Evidence levels for validity, reliability, and responsiveness varied among measures.
CONCLUSIONS: Gross Motor Function Measure in all versions was the most investigated measure providing the best results, with the strongest evidence for validity and responsiveness properties. Reliability evidence should be improved to determine stability.