The functional mobility scale : ability to detect change following single event multilevel surgery

Harvey, A; Graham, HK; Morris, ME; Baker, RJ; Wolfe, R

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the ability of the
Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) to detect change in children
with cerebral palsy (CP) undergoing single event multilevel
surgery (SEMLS). A retrospective study was conducted of
gait laboratory records and video assessments for a
consecutive sample of children with CP aged 4 to 18 years
who were managed by multilevel surgery. FMS ratings and
Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels
were recorded preoperatively and at regular postoperative
time points. The sample comprised 66 children (32 females,
34 males) with spastic diplegia, GMFCS Levels I (n=18),
II (n=24), and III (n=24). The mean age at surgery was
10 years (SD 2y 6mo, range 6–16y). For each FMS distance
(5, 50, and 500m) odds ratios showed significant deterioration in mobility at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Mobility then improved to baseline levels by 12 months and improved further by 24 months postoperatively. GMFCS level remained stable throughout most of the postoperative period for children classified as GMFCS Level III preoperatively but not for children classified as Levels I or II. The FMS was found to be a clinically feasible tool for quantifying change after SEMLS in children with CP.

Citation

Harvey, A., Graham, H., Morris, M., Baker, R., & Wolfe, R. (2007). The functional mobility scale : ability to detect change following single event multilevel surgery. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 49(8), 603-607. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2007.00603.x

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Aug 1, 2007
• Deposit Date: Jul 4, 2011
• Journal: Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology
• Print ISSN: 0012-1622
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 49
• Issue: 8
• Pages: 603-607
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2007.00603.x
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2007.00603.x