Article

Sound measurement properties of outcome tools are essential when
evaluating outcomes of an intervention, in clinical practice and in research.
The purpose of this study was to review the evidence on reliability,
measurement error, and responsiveness of measures of gait function in children
with neuromuscular diagnoses. DATA SOURCES: The MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and
PsycINFO databases were searched up to June 15, 2012. STUDY SELECTION: Studies
evaluating reliability, measurement error, or responsiveness of measures of gait
function in 1- to 18-year-old children and youth with neuromuscular diagnoses
were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Quality of the studies was independently rated by
2 raters using a modified COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health
status Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist. Studies with a fair quality
rating or better were considered for best evidence synthesis. DATA SYNTHESIS:
Regarding the methodological quality, 32 out of 35 reliability studies, all of
the 13 measurement error studies, and 5 out of 10 responsiveness studies were of
fair or good quality. Best evidence synthesis revealed moderate to strong
evidence for reliability for several measures in children and youth with cerebral
palsy (CP) but was limited or unknown in other diagnoses. The Functional Mobility
Scale (FMS) and the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) dimension E showed
limited positive evidence for responsiveness in children with CP, but it was
unknown or controversial in other diagnoses. No information was reported on the
minimal important change; thus, evidence on measurement error remained
undetermined. LIMITATIONS: As studies on validity were not included in the
review, a comprehensive appraisal of the best available gait-related outcome
measure per diagnosis is not possible. CONCLUSIONS:
There is moderate to strong
evidence on reliability for several measures of gait function in children and
youth with CP, whereas evidence on responsiveness exists only for the FMS and the
GMFM dimension E.
CI - (c) 2014 American Physical Therapy Association.

Langue : ANGLAIS