Correlation between ICIDH handicap code and Gross Motor Function Classification System in children with cerebral palsy

The aim of this study was to apply the International Classification of Impa irments, Disabilities and Handicap (ICIDH; WHO 1980) parallel to the Cross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS; Palisano et al. 1997) in a pop ulation-based series of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Of the 116 child ren studied, birth characteristics, data on gross motor function, and level of handicap at 5 to 6 years of age, were retrospectively collected from me dical records and documentation made by rehabilitation team members. Low ha ndicap scores and mild levels of gross motor disability were present in chi ldren with hemiplegic CP, moderate scores in children with diplegic CP, sim ple ataxia, and athetotic CP, and high scores in children with dystonic CP and tetraplegic CP. A significant correlation was found between high handic ap scores as well as high levels on the GMFCS and the presence of learning disability, epilepsy, and obvious aetiology of CP. A strong correlation was found between the handicap code and the GMFCS, the strongest concerning th e dimension of mobility (r=0.95,p<0.0001). A striking similarity in the gra ding of disability was present between the ICIDH handicap code and the GMFC S. The GMFCS is considerably less time-consuming and can be evaluated retro spectively. The handicap code requires more detailed information and is mor e useful for a comprehensive profile of the child.