Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE) in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to translate the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE) into Turkish language, assess its reliability and validity in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Materials and methods Fifty-two children with CP (mean age 9 years 8 months, range 4–18 years) included in this cross-sectional study. Intra- and interrater reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The SCALE was correlated with the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), the Physician’s Rating Scale (PRS), and Gross Motor Function Measurement (GMFM) to assess validity. Results Intra- and interrater reliability of the SCALE were excellent (ICC > 0.75). SCALE and GMFCS (r = −0.786, p < 0.001), SCALE and PRS (r = 0.761, p < 0.001), SCALE and GMFM (r = 0.863, p < 0.001) were highly correlated. SCALE scores differed significantly between GMFCS levels and between types of spastic CP. Conclusions The Turkish version of the SCALE appears to be a valid and reliable tool to assess selective voluntary motor control of the lower limbs in children with spastic CP. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The Turkish version of the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity is a valid and reliable assessment for children with spastic CP. The SCALE scores differed significantly between Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I versus II and levels II versus III as well as between types of spastic CP. The current study suggests that the SCALE is a quick and easy outcome measure to assess selective motor control in patients with spastic CP.