Clinical application of the ICF core set for cerebral palsy children

Abstract

Objective To compare the effectiveness of cerebral palsy rehabilitation patterned on the children and youth version of the international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF-CY) with traditional patterns. Methods Two children′s rehabilitation wards were selected as the ICF-CY group and the control group. The children in the former group were evaluated using the ICF-CY and provided with individual rehabilitation plans according to their evaluation results, while those in the latter group were given traditional rehabilitation without any evaluation. Before and after 3 courses of treatment, both groups were assessed using the pediatric evaluation of disability inventory (PEDI) and the gross motor function measure (GMFM), and their use of assistant devices was assessed. Results After three courses of treatment the ICF-CY group′s average PEDI score had improved significantly and was superior to that of the control group. Significant improvement was observed in the GMFM scores in both groups after the treatment, with no significant inter-group differences. Significantly more of the children in the ICF-CY group used the assistive devices (except the lower limb orthoses) compared to the control group. Conclusion Therapy based on the ICF-CY is obviously superior to traditional rehabilitation planning. Key words: International classification of functioning, disability and health; Cerebral palsy; Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory; Gross motor function