Turkish Adaptation Of GMFCS Family Report And The Agreement Of Family and Physiotherapist

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a heterogeneous, persistent neurological disorder caused by non-progressive damage to the developing brain. This condition occurs as a result of injury or malformation in the developing central nervous system before, during or immediately after birth. This situation, which develops secondary to lesions or abnormalities of the central nervous system, affects motor function and posture development. As a result of the addition of tertiary disorders to the table with different compensation mechanisms over time, the development and functional independence levels of children are negatively affected.

Diagnosis in CP can be made in the first two years of life, especially when functional impairment is mild. However, there is a consensus that 5 years of age is the most appropriate age to confirm the diagnosis, due to the clinical condition that may change with the development of the child in some cases.

Since recent studies on the rehabilitation of children with CP have focused on increasing functionality in their daily activities, the functional levels and abilities of these children have recently gained more importance. It may be necessary to use some test batteries in order to evaluate the motor development and functional level of the child. Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) used for functional classification and Pediatric Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM) used for pediatric functional evaluation of activities of daily living are some of the commonly used test batteries.

In the last 20 years, family-centered approaches have gained importance for children with CP and their families. Family-centered approaches that address the needs of children and their families, and families' involvement in all aspects of services for their children contribute to the establishment of partnership between parents and health professionals. Family-assessed measurements or family reports are invaluable, as families are at the center of the rehabilitation process, with active participation in all phases of CP treatment and management. Therefore, it becomes important to investigate the validity, reliability and stability of classification systems that can also be used by parents.

GMFCS, which is widely used in research and clinical practice for treatment and rehabilitation planning, prognosis and clinical decision making, was modified in 2004 by Morris et al. to be used for parents and named GMFCS Family Report Questionnaire.

The aim of this study is to make the Turkish adaptation of the Gross Motor Function Classification System Family Report (GMFCS-FR) in children with CP, to determine its reliability and validity, and to investigate the agreement of the family and the clinical physiotherapists in determining the gross motor function level.

Inclusion criteria

• Parents of children with cerebral palsy between the ages of 2 and 18 who agreed to participate in the study
• Clinical physiotherapists of of children with cerebral palsy between the ages of 2 and 18 who agreed to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• refuse to participate in the study
• Parents of individuals with cerebral palsy who are not between the ages of 2 and 18