Comparative Reliability of the PEDI, GMFM and TUG Tests for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

[Purpose] The aim of this research was to determine the reliability of: the Gross Motor Functional Measure (GMFM-88), the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Index (PEDI) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test for children with cerebral palsy. [Subjects] Twenty children with CP took part in the research (7 with tetraplegia, 6 with diplegia and 7 with right hemiplegia). The children’s mean age was 4. 85 ± 2. 49 years, their mean height was 1. 06 ± 0. 17 m and their mean body mass 18. 58 ± 7. 5 kg. [Methods] All three tests were conducted twice on two separate days, under the same conditions. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), mean RMS difference, standard error of measurement (SEM) and the coefficient of variation (CV) were used to quantify the reliabilities of the tests. [Results] The GMFM, PEDI and TUG tests presented very high reliability scores (ICC=0. 99). [Conclusion] These findings are in accordance with the findings of other studies concerning the reliability of the three tests for children with cerebral palsy or other patient populations. Therefore, it was concluded that all the three tests should be applied in order to reliably estimate the mobility and functional ability of children with cerebral palsy.