Physical Therapists' Use and Alteration of Standardized Assessments of Motor Function in Children

Abstract

Purpose: This study presents survey responses of pediatric physical therapists' use and alteration of standardized assessments of motor function in children aged 2 to 10 years. Methods: Electronic and paper surveys were distributed to practicing physical therapists through the APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy electronic newsletter and 2 national conferences. Data were analyzed by response frequencies, qualitative responses, and χ2analyses for demographic characteristics. Results: A total of 497 pediatric physical therapists responded. Most (93%) reported using standardized assessments, with the majority (84%) reporting the normative scores. Almost all respondents (94%) also reported that they at least occasionally modify assessments. Conclusion: Standardized assessments are used by most therapists, but the high use of modifications during testing is concerning. Survey reports from therapists indicate a disconnect between standardized assessments and the needs of the child, leaving clinicians working to report required scores while maintaining validity of testing procedures.

Commonly Used Outcome Measurement Tools in Pediatric Physical Therapy Telerehabilitation in the Philippines: A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study

“…Nevertheless, the participants of this study also considered OMT applicability based on a patient's conditions as the third enabler of OMT usage. Furthermore, the other enablers agreed to by this study's participants, (i.e., validity and reliability of OMTs, and quick completion of OMTs), coincide with the study's findings conducted by Fay et al (2018) . They reported that most respondents consider the ease of completion and the assessment tools' quality/statistical/psychometric properties.…”

“…Two studies support this finding as they reported GMFM as the most frequently used OMT from their surveys ( Hanna et al, 2007 ; Knox et al, 2019 ). Similarly, Fay et al (2018) cited GMFM as the second most used OMT in their study. Moreover, Thomason and Wilmarth (2015) mentioned GMFM as the most reported additional OMT used in school-based PT services in preschool, elementary, and middle-/high-school students.…”

“…Two studies also support taking too much time for completion as one of the primary reasons for the lack of OMT usage ( Aberdeen et al, 2019 ; Fay et al, 2018 ). Fay et al (2018) said that the assessment/time limitation length was a problem for more than half of their respondents.…”

“…Pediatric PTs utilize OMTs to quantify children's motor skills and functional development. The OMTs serve as a basis to establish a course of treatment necessary for maximal function ( Fay et al, 2018 ). To determine the most appropriate outcome measure, Coster (2013) reported that it is essential to consider dimensions, format, reliability, responsiveness, and feasibility.…”

Commonly Used Outcome Measurement Tools in Pediatric Physical Therapy Telerehabilitation in the Philippines: A Quantitative Cross- Sectional Descriptive Study Protocol

“…5 Pediatric PTs utilize OMTs to quantify children's motor skills and functional development that serves as a basis for establishing a course of treatment necessary for maximal function. 6 In determining the most appropriate outcome measure, Coster 7 reported that it is necessary to consider factors such as dimension, format, reliability, responsiveness, and feasibility of the outcome measure. Common OMTs, according to the American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA), include children's assessment of participation and enjoyment (CAPE) and preferences for activities in children (PAC), CP functional classification systems, and gross motor function measure (GMFM).…”