The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) is a standardized assessment tool used to evaluate gross motor skills in children with cerebral palsy and other motor impairments. It measures changes in motor function over time and assesses a child’s ability to perform various movements, such as lying, rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, walking, and running.
There are two main versions:
- GMFM-88: Covers 88 items and can be used for children with various motor impairments.
- GMFM-66: A shorter version with 66 items, specifically designed for children with cerebral palsy.
The GMFM helps healthcare professionals track progress, set therapy goals, and evaluate treatment effectiveness.
Accessing the GMFM:
The GMFM is detailed in the “Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66 & GMFM-88) User’s Manual,” which provides comprehensive guidelines on administration and scoring.
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Additionally, the Gross Motor Ability Estimator (GMAE) software, essential for scoring the GMFM-66, can be downloaded for free from the CanChild website:
Pros of the GMFM:
- Comprehensive Assessment: Evaluates a wide range of motor functions across five dimensions:
- A: Lying and Rolling
- B: Sitting
- C: Crawling and Kneeling
- D: Standing
- E: Walking, Running, and Jumping
- Sensitivity to Change: Effectively detects changes in motor function over time, making it valuable for tracking progress and evaluating interventions.
- Validated and Reliable: Extensively researched, ensuring its reliability and validity in assessing children with cerebral palsy.
- Standardized Scoring: The GMFM-66 offers interval scaling, providing a more nuanced understanding of motor abilities.
Cons of the GMFM:
- Time-Consuming: Administering the full GMFM-88 can be lengthy, which may be challenging in certain clinical settings.
- Training Requirements: Proper administration and scoring require training to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Equipment Needs: Specific equipment, such as mats, benches, and toys, is necessary, which may not be readily available in all settings.
- Population Specificity: While primarily designed for children with cerebral palsy, its applicability to other populations may be limited.
The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) comes in two versions: GMFM-66 and GMFM-88. Both are used to assess motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP), but they have some key differences:
Key Differences Between GMFM-66 & GMFM-88
| Feature | GMFM-66 | GMFM-88 |
| Number of Items | 66 items | 88 items |
| Development | Derived from GMFM-88 using Rasch analysis | Original version |
| Scoring System | Uses the Gross Motor Ability Estimator (GMAE) software for interval-level scoring | Uses a percent-based scoring system |
| Time Required | Shorter (more efficient) | Longer (more detailed) |
| Flexibility | Cannot be used with all conditions (only validated for CP) | Can be used for other motor disorders (e.g., Down syndrome) |
| Sensitivity to Change | More precise due to its interval-level scale | Less precise due to ordinal scoring |
| Clinical Use | Preferred for tracking progress over time | More suitable for descriptive assessments |
Which One Should Be Used?
- GMFM-66 is preferred when assessing changes in motor function over time due to its refined scoring system.
- GMFM-88 is useful when assessing a broader range of children, including those with conditions beyond cerebral palsy.