Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of the GMFCS?
What is the purpose of the GMFCS?
What is the intended age for the GMFCS?
What is the intended age for the GMFCS?
2 - 18 years old
What does the GMFCS test?
What does the GMFCS test?
Which of the following is the description for Level V in the GMFCS?
Which of the following is the description for Level V in the GMFCS?
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Give an example of Level I for ages 6-12.
Give an example of Level I for ages 6-12.
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Give an example of Level II for ages 6-12.
Give an example of Level II for ages 6-12.
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Give an example of Level III for ages 6-12.
Give an example of Level III for ages 6-12.
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Give an example of Level IV for ages 6-12.
Give an example of Level IV for ages 6-12.
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Give an example of Level V for ages 6-12.
Give an example of Level V for ages 6-12.
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Inter-observer reliability of the GMFCS is consistently poor between professionals and parents.
Inter-observer reliability of the GMFCS is consistently poor between professionals and parents.
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What was the interrater reliability score for the GMFCS?
What was the interrater reliability score for the GMFCS?
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List one way GMFCS has been used in research.
List one way GMFCS has been used in research.
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Study Notes
GMFCS Overview
- Purpose: Classifies children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) based on daily motor function performance.
- Goals include enhancing communication among families and professionals, providing a basis for stratification in research, and complementing traditional classification methods.
- Descriptive and predictive system with 5 levels representing meaningful differences in gross motor performance.
Intended Age
- Applicable for children aged 2 to 18 years.
Assessment Details
- Evaluates 5 levels of gross motor function, with Level I being the most able and Level V the most limited.
- Focuses on movements including sitting, walking, and use of mobility devices.
- Provides a clear description of motor function and insights into equipment needs.
- Children over age 5 typically do not improve GMFCS levels; classification at age 6 usually indicates ongoing mobility device need.
- Distinctions between levels are made based on functional limitations, need for assistive technology, wheelchair usage, and quality of movement.
GMFCS Levels Explained
- Level I: No limitations in mobility, can walk and perform gross motor skills like running and jumping.
- Level II: Walks with limitations; may need support or assistive devices for long distances or uneven terrain.
- Level III: Requires a hand-held mobility device indoors; can self-propel over short distances.
- Level IV: Limited self-mobility; may use powered mobility and require assistance in most settings.
- Level V: Fully dependent, transported in a manual wheelchair, unable to maintain head and trunk posture.
Age-specific Examples (6-12 years)
- Level I: Walks independently in all environments, can navigate stairs without assistance, gross motor skills are limited by speed and balance.
- Level II: Walks with difficulty in certain environments, may require a railing for stairs, experiences challenges with long distances or balance.
- Level III: Uses a hand-held mobility device for most indoor areas, needs assistance on stairs, may rely on wheeled mobility for traveling longer distances.
- Level IV: Requires substantial assistance or powered mobility; may walk short distances with help but primarily uses a manual wheelchair or powered mobility outside the home.
- Level V: Always transported in a manual wheelchair; significant limitations in controlling body posture and movement.
Reliability and Validity
- Inter-observer reliability is high between parents and professionals, with a notable correlation of 0.91 between GMFM and GMFCS levels.
- Predictive capability is strong, correlating GMFCS classification at early ages with future classifications.
- Interrater reliability reported at 0.84; moderate correlation with motor development tests but less so with non-motor development measures.
Research Utilization
- Used for comparative studies with other assessments.
- Involves reclassification needs and the frequency of necessary re-evaluations.
- Studies aim to further distinguish between different GMFCS levels.
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Description
Explore the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) through this engaging set of flashcards. Understand its purpose in classifying children with cerebral palsy based on their motor functions, enhancing communication within families and professionals, and supporting research stratification. Ideal for those studying pediatric motor development.
