Functional balance and gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy

Aims: To compare scores of children with cerebral palsy (CP) at different levels of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and to assess whether it can be used to predict GMFCS levels in children with CP. Methods: Fifty-eight children with CP levels I-V of GMFCS were assessed by PBS and grouped according to their GMFCS level. Results: It was observed differences in PBS scores between GMFCS I and II and between GMFCS II and Ill groups. Discriminant analysis indicated a 67% accuracy for the PBS instrument in assessing the GMFCS level of children with CP. Interpretation: PBS is able to detect differences among GMFCS levels I, II, and III of mild and moderate impairment. Accordingly, PBS can be used reliably in clinical practice to indicate the motor impairment level of such children. The results enable specify the expected tasks that are expected to be accomplished by the children in each GMFCS level, contributing with therapeutic planning and monitoring. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.