GROSS AND FUNCTIONAL MOTOR IMPAIRMENT IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

. RACHANA; AH RADHAN; ZA QAMBRANI; KB KHOSO; F SHAIKH; S AHMED

doi:10.54112/pjicm.v5i02.178

Authors

. RACHANA Department of Pediatrics, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro Sindh Pakistan
AH RADHAN Department of Pediatrics, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro Sindh Pakistan
ZA QAMBRANI Department of Pediatrics, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro Sindh Pakistan
KB KHOSO Department of Pediatrics, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro Sindh Pakistan
F SHAIKH Department of Pediatrics, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro Sindh Pakistan
S AHMED Department of Pediatrics, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro Sindh Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/pjicm.v5i02.178

Keywords:

Cerebral Palsy, Classification Systems, Function

Abstract

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) represents a group of permanent disorders of movement and posture, frequently accompanied by disturbances in sensation, cognition, communication, and behavior. Functional classification systems such as the Gross Motor Function Classification System–Expanded and Revised (GMFCS-E&R) and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) provide standardized methods for assessing functional ability in children with CP. Understanding their correlation aids in comprehensive clinical assessment and rehabilitation planning. Objective: To determine the frequency of functional profiles of children with cerebral palsy based on GMFCS-E&R and MACS, and to evaluate the correlation between the two classification systems. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Settings: Department of Pediatrics, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro, Pakistan. Duration of Study: February 2025 to May 2025. Methods: A total of 138 children diagnosed with cerebral palsy were enrolled after obtaining informed consent. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Each participant’s motor and manual abilities were classified using GMFCS-E&R and MACS, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient (rs), and p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The median (IQR) age of the participants was 6 (4) years. Based on GMFCS-E&R, 17 (16.7%) children were classified at level I, 27 (26.5%) at level II, 24 (23.5%) at level III, 28 (27.5%) at level IV, and 6 (5.8%) at level V. According to MACS, 25 (24.5%) were at level I, 44 (43.2%) at level II, 15 (14.7%) at level III, 14 (13.7%) at level IV, and 4 (3.9%) at level V. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between GMFCS-E&R and MACS (rs = 0.623, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The majority of children with cerebral palsy demonstrated moderate functional impairment, predominantly classified within levels II–IV of both GMFCS-E&R and MACS. A strong positive correlation between the two systems underscores their concurrent validity and usefulness in multidisciplinary assessment and rehabilitation planning for children with CP.

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