Development of the Persian Version of Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88): A Study of Reliability

Abstract

The aims of this study were to cross-culturally translate and equivalence of the Gross Motor Function Measure 88 (GMFM-88) in to Persian and to evaluate its reliability in 50 children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Our investigation was a none-experimental and methodological study which developed a Persian translation of the GMFM-88 based on International Quality of Life Assessment (IQLA) guidelines. Inter-rater reliability was performed by comparison of scores recorded by two expert physiotherapists in a blind pattern while inter-rater reliability was assessed by comparison of scores recorded by an expert physiotherapist in two continuous weeks. Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate both reliabilities. Additionally internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The ICC was 0.99 for both inter-rater reliability and intra-rater reliability with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.99-1. Cronbach's alpha coefficients for all dimensions of the GMFM-88 were ranged 0.78-0.94, which showed an acceptable internal consistency. The Persian version of the GMFM-88 which indicated high internal consistency is a reliable instrument to quantify gross motor function in children with CP and to follow efficacy of various rehabilitation and medical treatments in these patients.

Intra- and Interrater Reliability of the Spanish Version of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-SP-88)

“…scores 14 ; the Persian version reported an ICC of 0.99 for interand intrarater reliability (95% CI 0.96-1.00) for both total and dimension scores 15 ; the Thai version 25 obtained excellent intraand interrater reliability (ICC = 0.99-1.00; ICC = 0.93) for the total scores, results that agree with those obtained by the Korean version who reported excellent inter-and intrarater reliability for both total (ICC = 0.99, 95% CI 0.99-0.99) and dimension scores (ICC = 0.97-0.99, 95% CI 0.96-0.99). 12,13 No significant differences were observed between the intraand interrater reliability results for total and dimensions scores despite factors such as age or the GMFCS level.…”

“…The results obtained in the study of the psychometric properties of other cross-cultural adaptations of the GMFM have supported similar results. For example, the Brazilian version reported excellent intra- and interrater reliability (ICC = 0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99; ICC = 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.98) for total scores14; the Persian version reported an ICC of 0.99 for inter- and intrarater reliability (95% CI 0.96-1.00) for both total and dimension scores15; the Thai version25 obtained excellent intra- and interrater reliability (ICC = 0.99-1.00; ICC = 0.93) for the total scores, results that agree with those obtained by the Korean version who reported excellent inter- and intrarater reliability for both total (ICC = 0.99, 95% CI 0.99-0.99) and dimension scores (ICC = 0.97-0.99, 95% CI 0.96-0.99) 12,13…”

“…The GMFM is considered a “gold standard” for the motor assessment of children with CP and is widely used in both clinical practice and research. Recently, it has been cross-culturally adapted to Korean,12,13 Portuguese,14 Persian,15 and Spanish16 populations, among others.…”

Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66 & GMFM-88) User's Manual, 3rd Edition, Book Review

“…This includes the GMFM-88-CVI (Cerebral Visual Impairment)3 for children with vision impairment, Quality FM (QFM),4 which assesses quality of movement and GMFM Challenge 5,6 for children Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I and II. An update on GMFM-88 and GMFM-66 versions is given in Brazilian Portuguese,7 Chinese,8 Korean,9,10 and Persian11 and in multiple childhood disorders, for example acquired brain injury12 and spinal muscular atrophy 13,14. The range of languages and conditions the GMFM has been tested with is a testament to the usability of this tool.…”