Development and validation of Scale for Prediction of Ambulation in Indian Children with Cerebral Palsy- The SPAIC scale

Abstract

The most frequently observed disability in children is Cerebral Palsy (CP). Identifying the capacity and prognosis of ambulation in children with CP is very important for therapists and rehabilitation professionals to determine these children's therapy and rehabilitation needs. However, there is no definitive instrument for predicting ambulation in these children. Therefore, there is a definite need for a tailored measure to predict ambulation that will consider all the factors that may influence the ambulation prognosis in children with CP in the Indian scenario. This mixed-methods study employed individuals from different backgrounds, such as academic professionals, pediatric rehabilitation professionals, pediatric physiotherapists, pediatric neurologists, parents, and children with CP. Two rounds of focused discussions were conducted, domains were identified and experts were invited for the Delphi method. Then alpha scale version was designed and the Delphi questionnaire Round 1 was created and sent to the experts. Based on their suggestions, a corrected beta version was created and the Delphi questionnaire was evaluated in Round 2. Statistical analysis was performed using Cronbach's alpha and the scale was validated. In conclusion, the Scale for Prediction of Ambulation in Indian Children with CP (SPAIC) scale was validated and can be used for further data collection.