Internal Consistency and Reliability of the Filipino Gross Motor Functional Classification System - Expanded and Revised.

Abstract

Background and objective: The Gross Motor Function Classification System - Expanded and Revised (GMFCS-E&R) is a valid tool commonly used by physicians, therapists, and potentially also by other healthcare workers even at the primary care and grassroots levels to facilitate immediate screening, appropriate referral, and management of children with disability needing mobility devices. As Filipinos comprise one of the largest diaspora populations, this study aimed to provide a Filipino version of the GMFCS-E&R and determine its internal consistency and inter- and intra-rater reliability.

Methods: A multidisciplinary group of rehabilitation professionals at Philippine General Hospital worked with linguists to translate the original English GMFCS-E&R to Filipino/Tagalog, the Philippines' official language. Several steps were done: authorization from the original tool developers (CanChild™); forward and backward translations; semantic analysis; content analysis; pilot testing; and submission of final version to CanChild™. Internal consistency and inter- and intra-rater reliability were determined.

Results: The Filipino GMFCS-E&R translation was formulated and underwent several modifications. The final version yielded high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.96) and inter- and intra-rater reliability (interclass correlation coefficients: 0.895 and 0.928, respectively).

Conclusion: The Filipino GMFCS-E&R is a reliable tool for use among pediatric Filipino patients for communication, clinical decision-making, registries, and research.