What does GMFCS mean in MEDICAL

The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) is a framework for understanding and measuring gross motor development in individuals with cerebral palsy. It provides a way to classify the severity of impairment in five levels from mildest impairment (level I) to most severe impairment (level V).

GMFCS is used by health care professionals and caregivers to understand the impact of gross motor impairments on an individual’s functioning, capabilities, and access to community activities. It can also be used for treatment planning and involvement in research studies.

The GMFCS was developed in 1997 by a working group of international clinicians, researchers, and consumers who were looking for practical ways to measure gross motor functioning in children with cerebral palsy.

The best time to administer the GMFCS assessment is when a child has reached at least 18 months of age. This will ensure that any physical changes that may have occurred since birth can be observed and evaluated. For young children under 18 months, other assessments like the Alberta Infant Motor Scale would be more appropriate.

The GMFCS evaluates an individual’s abilities across five domains—self-care, mobility skills when upright, wheelchair skills/mobility indoors/outdoors, transfers from one place to another, and leisure activities. Each domain is rated based on observed physical performance or reported ability level on a 5-point scale ranging from “no difficulty” to “total assistance” required.

Level I (Mild): Independent walker; able to perform all activities without help or equipment; some restrictions possible due to muscle weakness or coordination problems; able to move around home/community safely without assistance or equipment. Level II (Moderate): Needs modifications or assistive devices for some activities; still able to move around home/community safely but requires modifications or stabilization support during transitions; needs assistive device outdoors due to physical challenges such as weak muscles or poor coordination. Level III (Severe): Severely limited ability despite being able walk with assistive devices indoors but requires wheelchair outdoors because of endurance issues; may need assistance transferring into and out of wheelchairs and seating systems.

Yes, it is important to note that individual scores within each level can vary over time depending on growth rate, medical interventions or changes in therapy goals and interventions. As such it is important that any evaluation using the GMFRS be performed periodically using updated information from caregivers and health professionals.

Yes, numerous studies have shown that the GMFRS provides reliable information about functional abilities across multiple settings including educational programs for children with disabilities. It has also been useful in predicting outcomes such as increased participation in home-based activities after introduction of powered mobility devices.

It has been designed mainly for children under 16 years old although adults up until age 18 can use this tool if they have not had major physical changes within this period.