Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology published research that compared children with cerebral palsy's scores on the GMFM-66 and the Vineland over 3 years. The study results indicated that there is a significant relationship between what a child can do (GMFM)and what a child does do (Vineland). The relationship was more positive for GMFCS Level I children. Therefore, improvements in individual motor skills resulted in improved motor performance during personal and social skills. The authors recommend also focusing on environmental adaptations and mobility equipment.
This study is beneficial to justify why, at times, therapists recommend individual therapy sessions in an isolated setting outside of the classroom. If motor skills can be practiced and refined during therapy, then everyday functional skills should improve as a result as well especially in GMFCS Level I children with cerebral palsy.
Reference: MIRJAM VAN ECK, ANNET J DALLMEIJER, JEANINE M VOORMAN, JULES G BECHER
Longitudinal study of motor performance and its relation to motor capacity in children with cerebral palsy Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology 51:4(303-310) 2009. DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2008.03263.x
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