Validity of the Gross Motor Function Measurement in a sample of Turkish Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Abstract

Purpose: Muscle weakness and delays in motor development are more common problems in children with neurofibromatosis type 1. Gross Motor Function Measurement-88 is widely used tool to evaluate motor functions in children with developmental disabilities. We aimed to investigate validity of the Gross Motor Function Measurement-88 in a sample of Turkish children with neurofibromatosis type 1. Methods: Aged between 5 to 17 years 40 children (20 male/20 female) with neurofibromatosis type 1 participated in this study. To asses validity of Gross Motor Function Measurement 88, Manual Muscle Test was done seven muscle groups in upper and lower limbs bilaterally by a physical therapist. Results: The mean age was 9.7±3.81 years. A positive moderate to strong correlation was found between Manual Muscle Test and Gross Motor Function Measurement-88 subdomains (r=0.317-0.668; p <0.05). Conclusion: Gross Motor Function Measurement-88 is a valid measurement for evaluating gross motor functions in children with neurofibromatosis type 1. Identifying motor developmental delays in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 will be a guide for establishing early intervention programs and determining symptom-specific rehabilitation goals. We recommend the use of Gross Motor Function Measurement-88 in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 for evaluating gross motor function.