Scoring of Norms of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) in Normal Children

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We performed to obtain the normal values of Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) in normally developed children. We designed this study to inform the degree of gross motor functional disability or delay in children with cerebral palsy, comparing with score values of GMFM in normal children. METHOD: One hundred-sixteen normally developed children who were in the age of 12 to 47 months were recruited. Their GMFM tests were performed by a pediatric physical therapist. They were grouped by age of 6 months and the scores were compared with all of each groups. Results: The GMFM scores in normal children increased with ages. The rates of increment in scores were fast till 35 months of age and inter-individual differences of GMFM scores were greater in younger age groups (less than 36 months of age) than older groups. Even the means of GMFM scores were higher in the girls than boys, the differences between sexes were insignificant statistically. CONCLUSION: Norms of GMFM obtained in normally developed children who were in the age of 12 to 47 months. It would be helpful to assess the degree of motor functional disabilities or delay in children with physical disabilities.