Article

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new way to interpret Gross Motor Function Measure
(GMFM-66) score improvement in studies conducted without control groups in
children with cerebral palsy (CP). DESIGN: The curves, which describe the pattern
of motor development according to the children's Gross Motor Function
Classification System level,
were used as historical control to define the
GMFM-66 expected natural evolution in children with CP. These curves have been
modeled and generalized to fit the curve to particular children characteristics.
SETTING: Research center. PARTICIPANTS: Not applicable. INTERVENTIONS: Not
applicable. MEAN OUTCOME MEASURES: Not applicable. RESULTS: Assuming that the
GMFM-66 score evolution followed the shape of the Rosenbaum curves, by taking
into account the age and GMFM-66 score of children, the expected natural
evolution of the GMFM-66 score was predicted for any group of children with CP
who were <8 years old. Because the expected natural evolution could be predicted
for a specific group of children with CP, the efficacy of a treatment could be
determined by comparing the GMFM-66 score evolution measured before and after
treatment with the expected natural evolution for the same period. A new index,
the Gross Motor Function Measure Evolution Ratio, was defined as follows: Gross
Motor Function Measure Evolution Ratio=measured GMFM-66 score change/expected
natural evolution. CONCLUSIONS: For practical or ethical reasons, it is almost
impossible to use control groups in studies evaluating effectiveness of many
therapeutic modalities. The Gross Motor Function Measure Evolution Ratio gives
the opportunity to take into account the expected natural evolution of the gross
motor function of children with CP, which is essential to accurately interpret
the therapy effect on the GMFM-66.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS