RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Validity and Reliability of Two Abbreviated Versions of the Gross Motor Function Measure
JF Demo Journal of Physical Therapy
FD HighWire Press
SP 577
OP 588
DO 10.demo/ptj.20100279
VO 91
IS 4
A1 Brunton, Laura K.
A1 Bartlett, Doreen J.
YR 2011
UL http://demo.highwire.org/content/91/4/577.abstract
AB Background The “gold standard” for measuring gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy is the 66-item Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66).Objective The purpose of this study was to estimate the validity and reliability of 2 abbreviated versions of the GMFM-66; one version involves an item set approach, and the other version involves a basal and ceiling approach.Design This was a measurement study comprising concurrent validity, comparability, and test-retest reliability components.Methods The study participants were 26 children who were 2 to 6 years of age and had cerebral palsy across all Gross Motor Function Classification System levels. In the first session, both abbreviated versions were administered by 2 independent raters; next, the full GMFM-66 was administered. In the second session, only the abbreviated versions were administered by the same raters. Concurrent validity, comparability of versions, and test-retest reliability were determined with intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC (2,1)].Results Both versions demonstrated high levels of validity, with an ICC of .99 (95% confidence interval=0.972–0.997), reflecting associations with the GMFM-66. Both versions also were shown to be highly reliable, with ICCs of greater than .98 (95% confidence interval=0.965–0.994).Limitations A smaller-than-expected sample was recruited for this study and may be a potential limitation of the study.Conclusion Both versions of the GMFM-66 can be used in clinical practice or research. However, the GMFM-66 with the basal and ceiling approach is recommended as the preferred abbreviated version.