Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)

None

88 items arranged in 5 dimensions.
A: Lying and Rolling,
B: Sitting,
C: Crawling and Kneeling,
D: Standing, and
E: Walking, Running and Jumping.
Each item consists of observation of the performance of standardised physical tasks, ordered in level of difficulty. Each item is assigned a score on a 4-point scale.
GMFM-88 gives percentage scores, can be tested barefoot and allows use of shoes, orthotics and walking aids. A larger number of easier items results in more sensitivity in GMFCS level V and younger infants.
GMFM-66 items are arranged on a scale from 0-100 in order of item difficulty, so scores represent overall motor ability and is more specific. It is good for monitoring change over time in individual children and can be used with the GMFCS and percentile charts to predict future function.
There are also two brief versions of the GMFM available (see manual).
Reliability: high to good - >0.98
Validity: high to good
Internationally recommended with best psychometric properties for testing gross motor function in children with CP. Sensitive to change to physiotherapy, botulinum toxin therapy, baclofen pumps, etc.
Can be time consuming to administer and can have a ceiling effect in some children with mild CP GMFCS I.