ABSTRACT
Aims: To describe the development and evaluation of a novel task-based measure of powered mobility function: the Powered Mobility Function Scale (PMFS).
Methods: PMFS was developed in Hebrew in four phases, with feedback from clinicians and clients. Psychometric properties (inter-rater, test–retest reliability, concurrent, convergent and known-groups validity) were evaluated for N = 49 children and adolescents with Cerebral Palsy (11.1 ± 4.8y) using Powered Mobility Program (PMP), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT)
Results: PMFS development involved 3 versions over three years. Inter-rater reliability was =0.75–0.95 (video/observation). Test–retest reliability was =0.93–0.96. Concurrent validity (PMP) was =−0.84-to–0.96. Convergent validity (PEDI-CAT) was =−0.47-to-0.70. Known-groups validity (GMFCS/MACS) demonstrated medium effect sizes (r = 0.33–0.46)
Conclusions: PMFS is valid and reliable for measuring powered mobility function in children and adolescents with CP. Future validation of the English version of PMFS is warranted.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the staff and children/adolescents of the MESHI Rehabilitation Centre in Jerusalem for their cooperation and involvement in the development of the tool.
Declaration of interest
The authors report no conflict of interest.