Content Validity of Upper Limb Functional Assessments for Children with Cerebral Palsy:Based on ICF-CY / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective To review the concepts of three common scales assessing upper limbs function of children with cerebral palsy, namely Fine Motor Function Measure (FMFM), Melbourne Assessment 2 of Unilateral Upperlimb Function (MA2) and Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST), from the framework of Chinese version of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-Child and Youth Version (ICF-CY). Methods Concepts of each item from FMFM, MA2 and QUEST were extracted independently by a rehabilitation doctor and a therapist with professional experience more than three years, and then linked with ICF-CY category accord-ing to the linking rules. The distribution of concepts of each scale linking to ICF-CY categories was investigated. Results A total of 62 con-cepts were extracted from these three scales, and 403 linkages to various ICF-CY categories. Concepts from FMFM were the most linked with ICF-CY category among them, in which nearly two-thirds (134/204) concepts linked with the categories of Activity And Participation. Concepts from QUEST principally linked with the category of joint and arm-supporting in Body Function. Concepts from MA2 linked to category of cognition function which reflected motor accuracy 7 times and motor fluency 9 times (more than 50%of the total amount of link-ages). Conclusion FMFM mainly evaluates the activity and participation associated with upper limb function in children with cerebral palsy, and may be more applicable for younger children. MA2 mainly evaluates the accuracy and fluency of upperlimb movement. QUEST mainly evaluates body function especially the joint and supporting function of upper limbs.