Psychometric Evaluation of the Persian Version of the Functional Mobility Scale: Assessing Validity and Reliability.

AIM: This study aimed to assess the content, concurrent validity, test-retest, and intra-rater reliability of the Persian version of the Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) for evaluating functional mobility in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: Following international standards for measurement translation, we developed a Persian version of the FMS. A total of 160 participants took part in this study. Concurrent validity was assessed using Spearman's coefficient to correlate with the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Test-retest (n = 30) and intra-rater (n = 30) reliability of the FMS were also examined by Cohen's weighted kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Concurrent validity ranged from -0.912 to -0.941 for children and -0.912 to -0.936 for adolescents. Test-retest ranged from 0.902 to 1. Intra-rater ranged from 0.933 to 0.987. CONCLUSION: The Persian version of the FMS demonstrates very strong validity and almost perfect reliability for assessing and classifying functional mobility in children and adolescents with CP. These findings suggest that this tool could be a useful addition to clinical practice and research for the Persian-speaking population.

Effects of Aquatic Intervention on Gross Motor Skills in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review.

AIMS: To review the literature on the effects of aquatic intervention on gross motor skills for children with cerebral palsy (CP). DATA SOURCES: Six databases were searched from inception to January 2016. REVIEW METHODS: Aquatic studies for children aged 1-21 years with any type or CP classification and at least one outcome measuring gross motor skills were included. Information was extracted on study design, outcomes, and aquatic program type, frequency, duration, and intensity. Quality was rated using the Centre of Evidence-Based Medicine: Levels of Evidence and the PEDro scale. RESULTS: Of the 11 studies which met inclusion criteria, only two used randomized control trial design, and the results were mixed. Quality of evidence was rated as moderate to high for only one study. Most studies used quasi-experimental designs and reported improvements in gross motor skills for within group analyses after aquatic programs were held for two to three times per week and lasting for 6-16 weeks. Participants were classified according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-V, and were aged 3-21 years. Mild to no adverse reactions were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence on aquatic interventions for ambulatory children with CP is limited. Aquatic exercise is feasible and adverse effects are minimal; however, dosing parameters are unclear. Further research is needed to determine aquatic intervention effectiveness and exercise dosing across age categories and GMFCS levels.