Analysis of relationship among the functional classification systems in cerebral palsy and the different types according to the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe

Abstract

This study aimed to analyse the relationship between Gross Motor Functional Classification (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) and Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS) in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and development of a global profile of the child’s role in activities of daily living. It is further intended to determine if the functional classifications present a predictive factor for one or several types of CP established by the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe (SCPE). An observational study was developed in schools in the Region of Murcia during the months of March to June 2018. Participants included children and adolescents from 3 to 18 years of age evaluated individually under the same conditions by a physiotherapist with more than 10 years of experience and following the available manuals. A high correlation between the scales was found. Spastic unilateral CP presented a greater prognosis in the development of the functional abilities described by the functional scales. The study shows how the classification systems complement each other to provide a better description of the functional profile of children with CP, and the four scales involve a predictive factor for some types of CP. *Correspondence to: Sergio Montero-Mendoza, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Region of Murcia (Spain), Physiotherapy Department, Catholic University of San Antonio (UCAM), Murcia, Spain, E-mail: smontero@ucam.edu