Gross Motor Function Classification System stability in children with CP from 2-4 years of age
What is it about?
Historically, the classification of physical ability of children with cerebral palsy, known as the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), has been considered stable across all ages. This means once a child is assigned a level of function, it is not likely to change. However, this study examined the classification system’s stability in the two to four year age band and found nearly half of the children were reclassified. A majority of the children were reclassified to an improved ability of motor function.
Why is it important?
Currently, standard practice is to provide a GMFCS level at age two. This is the first study to substantially examine the stability in children from two to four years, and the findings highlight less stability in this range than at older ages. This suggests a review of the standard practice, or at very least, suggests caveats for potential change when coaching caregivers. This study is timely as there is a growing impetus to diagnose cerebral palsy at younger ages.