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Construct validity and reliability of the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity in children with cerebral palsy
Author(s) -
Balzer Julia,
Marsico Petra,
Mitteregger Elena,
Linden Marietta L,
Mercer Thomas H,
Hedel Hubertus J A
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
developmental medicine and child neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.658
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1469-8749
pISSN - 0012-1622
DOI - 10.1111/dmcn.12805
Subject(s) - gross motor function classification system , cerebral palsy , intraclass correlation , spastic , modified ashworth scale , construct validity , physical therapy , spasticity , physical medicine and rehabilitation , psychology , inter rater reliability , movement assessment , motor control , reliability (semiconductor) , medicine , rating scale , psychometrics , motor skill , developmental psychology , psychiatry , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics
Aim Assessing impaired selective voluntary movement control in children with cerebral palsy ( CP ) has gained increasing interest. We investigated construct validity and intra‐ and interrater reliability of the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity ( SCALE ). Method Thirty‐nine children (21 males, 18 females) with spastic CP , mean age 12 years 6 months [range 6y 11mo–19y 9mo], Gross Motor Function Classification System ( GMFCS ) levels I to IV , participated. Differences in SCALE scores were determined on joint levels and between patients categorized according to their limb distribution and GMFCS levels. SCALE scores were correlated with the Fugl‐Meyer Assessment, Manual Muscle Test, and Modified Ashworth Scale. To determine reliability, the SCALE was applied once and recorded on video. Results SCALE scores differed significantly between the less and more affected leg ( p <0.001) and between most leg joints. Total SCALE scores differed significantly between GMFCS levels I and II . Correlations with Fugl‐Meyer Assessment, Manual Muscle Test, and Modified Ashworth Scale were 0.88, 0.88, and –0.55 respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficients were all above 0.9, with the minimal detectable change below 2 points. Interpretation The SCALE appears to be a valid and reliable tool to assess selective voluntary movement control of the legs in children with spastic CP .