World J Phys Rehabil Med | Volume 3, Issue 1 | Research Article | Open Access

Psychometric Properties of the Gross Motor Function Classification System-Expanded and Revised (GMFCS E&R) in Greek Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy

Sfakianos T1, Chrysagis N2, Skordilis E3*, Grammatopoulou E2, Kambas A1 and Giakas I1

1Democritus University of Thrace, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Science, Greece
2Department of Physical Therapy, University of West Attica, Greece
3National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, Greece

*Correspondance to: Emmanouil Skordilis 

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Abstract

The present study was designed to examine the psychometric properties of the Gross Motor Function Classification System Expanded and Revised (GMFCS E&R), in ambulatory (levels I, II & III) children and adolescents with Cerebral Palsy (CP). The convenience sample constituted from 21 students with CP (14 boys and 7 girls), aging 14, 62 years (+1,40), in two special schools within the district area of Athens. The students were assessed twice in the GMFCS E&R, 10 to15 days apart, by an expert and the school’s physiotherapists during the adapted physical education classes (intra and inter rater reliability). Accordingly, the research team administered the following functional measures: GMFM (D&E), 10 Meters Walk Test (10MWT), Time Up and Go (TUG) and Sit to Stand (STS) tests. The 10MWT, STS and TUG were re assessed for reliability testing. Statistical analyses were conducted with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 18.0), with a pre determined 0.05 significance level. ANOVA sevaluated the differences in functionality measures among the three GMFCS E&R levels (I, II & III) and the Least Significant Difference (LSD) method was used for post hoc comparisons (construct validity). The Pearson coefficients examined the association between the functional measures and the GMFCS E&R (concurrent validity). The Intraclass coefficients assessed the intra rater reliability of the measures employed and the Pearson coefficient assessed the inter rater reliability of the GMFCS E&R. The results provided the hypothesized validity and reliability evidence of the GMFCS E&R for ambulatory children and adolescents with CP. The findings are discussed in accordance to the existing literature, limitations and recommendations for future researchers and practitioners in the field.

Keywords:

Cerebral palsy; Validity; Reliability; Physical therapy; Adapted physical education; Functionality

Citation:

Sfakianos T, Chrysagis N, Skordilis E, Grammatopoulou E, Kambas A, Giakas I. Psychometric Properties of the Gross Motor Function Classification SystemExpanded and Revised (GMFCS E&R) in Greek Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy. World J Phys Rehabil Med. 2019;3(1):1010.

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