Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2020 | Research article
Stability of the gross motor function classification system in children with cerebral palsy for two years
Published in: BMC Neurology | Issue 1/2020
Login to get accessAbstract
Background
The prognosis of gross motor function is a major concern for therapy and intervention in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The classification system for gross motor function, the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), is actively studied because it could be useful in the communication between professionals and families. This study aimed to verify the stability of GMFCS over 2 years in children with CP aged 2–12 years.
Methods
The GMFCS level of 100 children with CP who underwent rehabilitation therapy in hospitals or who attended special elementary schools in South Korea were collected in the study. The agreements across three measurement points were analyzed in these children.
Results
The weighted kappa coefficients were statistically significant (p < .05). The coefficients ranged from 0.690 to 0.789 in children with CP aged 2–12 years. The lowest coefficient of 0.557 was observed in children with CP aged 2–4 years between the first and third measurements points.
Conclusions
The results provided evidence of GMFCS stability for the first year and change of the GMFCS during the two-year study period in children aged 2–4 years. Moreover, the findings indicate that the stability of GMFCS varies with time, duration, and age. It is recommended that GMFCS assessments be performed periodically, which are even more necessary for children with CP aged 2–4 years.