Test-Retest Reliability of the Gross Motor Function Measure in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the test-retest reliability of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) in children with cerebral palsy. The GMFM was administered twice, within a one-week time period, to twenty-one children with cerebral palsy. The time of day, therapists, and evaluation setting were held constant. Intra-class correlations ranged from .76 to 1.00. The data suggest that the GMFM is consistent in the measurement of gross motor skills and that children with cerebral palsy exhibit stable gross motor skills during repeat measurement. This information will be helpful in future analysis of treatment efficacy using the GMFM as an outcome measure.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kristie F. Bjornson

Michael Lepp, PT, is in private practice, Associate Instructor of the Upledger Institute, and Clinical Instructor, Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry, Cleveland, OH.

Marie McKenzie, MS, OTR, is in private practice. She was Coordinator of Occupational Therapy at Scottish Rite Hospital at the time of this study.

Heather Miller, MS, OTR/L, is currently employed by Madison County Educational Service Center, providing therapy services to the county's pre-schools. This research was completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements of an MS degree at Ohio State University.

Linda Viscardis, BA, is Team Leader and Community Development Worker, Peterborough Family Enrichment Centre. She is Co-Founder of P.R.O.S.P.E.C.T.S., a support and advocacy group for families who have children with special needs.

Debra Stewart, BSc, OT(C), is Occupational Therapist, Erinoak, Serving Young People with Physical Disabilities, Mississauga, ON, and Clinical Lecturer, School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University.

Janette McDougall, MA, was Project Coordinator

Kip Husted, BEd, was a parent representative on the study team.

Catherine S. Graubert

Michael Lepp, PT, is in private practice, Associate Instructor of the Upledger Institute, and Clinical Instructor, Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry, Cleveland, OH.

Cheryl I. Kerfeld

Michael Lepp, PT, is in private practice, Associate Instructor of the Upledger Institute, and Clinical Instructor, Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry, Cleveland, OH.

Elaine M. Clark

Michael Lepp, PT, is in private practice, Associate Instructor of the Upledger Institute, and Clinical Instructor, Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry, Cleveland, OH.