The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) is an assessment tool designed to measure progress in motor skills of individuals with motor disabilities, such as cerebral palsy. The GMFM is useful for monitoring changes in motor functions and evaluating the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions.

Description

The scale includes various activities categorized into five areas:

Sitting and Standing: Activities related to posture and balance while sitting or standing.
Movement on the Ground: Activities such as rolling, kneeling, and moving from kneeling to standing.
Movement with Support: Activities that require support for mobility, such as using walkers.
Movement without Support: Activities performed without external assistance, such as walking or running.
Fine Motor Skills: Skills involving precise and coordinated movements of the hands and fingers.

Analysis

The analysis of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) includes:

Data Collection: The examiner observes and records the individual’s performance on each activity in the scale.
Scoring: Each activity is scored based on the individual’s ability to perform it. Scores vary depending on the difficulty of the activity and the person’s level of independence.
Score Composition: Individual scores from each domain are combined to assess overall motor function.

This analysis helps monitor the individual’s progress and identify areas requiring intervention.

Objective

The objective of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) is to:

Measure Motor Function: Assess the individual’s overall motor function and identify areas needing improvement.
Evaluate Progress: Monitor changes in motor skills over time and assess the effectiveness of interventions.
Guide Interventions: Provide data to support the development and adjustment of rehabilitation programs.

Scoring

The scoring of the GMFM includes:

Criterion Definition: Establishing criteria for evaluating each activity and determining difficulty levels.
Data Collection: Gathering data from the performance of activities and observing results.
Score Calculation: Calculating scores for each domain and compiling them into a total motor function score.

References

Russell, D. J., Avery, L. M., & Rosenbaum, P. L. (2000). Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) User’s Manual. CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research.
Palisano, R. J., Rosenbaum, P. L., Walter, S. D., Russell, D. J., Wood, E., & Galuppi, B. (1997). Development and Reliability of a System to Measure Gross Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 39(4), 214–223.
Gorter, J. W., & McCoy, S. (2004). The Gross Motor Function Measure: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, 7(2), 95–104.