Application of the Gross Motor Function Measure in children with conditions other than cerebral palsy: A systematic review

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the application and evaluate the measurement properties of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) in children with conditions other than cerebral palsy (CP). Method: A systematic review was conducted using five electronic databases to identify studies that used the GMFM in children with conditions other than CP. Methodological quality and measurement properties were evaluated using established standards for assessing outcome measures. Results: We identified 210 studies across various paediatric conditions. Measurement property studies examined eight conditions: acquired brain injury, spinal muscular atrophy, Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), leukodystrophy, and Pompe disease. Evidence quality was generally low to very low owing to small sample sizes and methodological limitations. Reliability showed sufficient ratings across most conditions. Content validity was examined only for ALL and demonstrated sufficient ratings. Responsiveness and construct validity showed variable results across conditions. Clinical application analysis revealed inadequate methodological reporting and widespread use without appropriate validation. Interpretation: GMFM validation for conditions other than CP remains insufficient despite widespread use. Content validity verification and enhanced methodological rigor are critically needed. Clinicians should interpret results cautiously until robust validation is established.