Validity and Reliability of the WAL-K Test

According to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, physical, social, and behavioral environmental factors; can affect a child's disability, activity limitations, and participation. Adapting the environment in which a child with Cerebral Palsy lives or adapting himself according to the environment facilitates independence in daily life activities. There is a need for practical performance tests to evaluate the gait adaptation of children with cerebral palsy in the clinic. However, no study has been found to evaluate gait adaptation in children with cerebral palsy. Therefore, the aim of the study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of the WALK test, which was previously developed for children with special learning disabilities, in individuals with cerebral palsy. The study will be conducted by Afyonkarahisar University Faculty of Health Sciences.

Inclusion criteria

• 6-18 years of age;
• Diagnosed with Diparetic, Hemiparetic or Quadriparetic cerebral palsy;
• GMFCS value being ≤3.
• Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) for individuals with Cerebral Palsy ≤3.
• Children with a Modified Ashworth Scale (MASH) ≤ 3 for lower extremity muscles
• Ability to follow verbal commands
• Ability to recognize colors or numbers
• Able to walk ≥10 meters independently with or without an assistive device (orthotics or walking aid)

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of serious hearing, vision or cognitive problems,
• Nerve block injection or orthopedic surgery in the last 6 months (such as Botox injection or muscle lengthening surgery)
• Joint contracture