Exploring the relationship of family goals and scores on standardized measures in children with cerebral palsy, using the ICF-CY

Aim: To explore the relationships of family selected goals and scores on standardized measures using the ICF-CY as a classification system.

Methods: Goal attainment scaling (GAS)-goals (n = 110) of 22 children, 11 girls, 1-6 years, bilateral or unilateral cerebral palsy, GMFCS I-IV and MACS I-IV were linked to the ICF-CY. The children had participated in goal-directed therapy during 12 weeks. GAS-goals, baseline assessments and change scores from PEDI and GMFM-66 were used to explore the relationships.

Results: All GAS-goals were classified in the Activity and Participation domain within ICF-CY. The number of GAS-goals correlated to baseline scores in PEDI and GMFM-66. The change scores in PEDI and GMFM-66 correlated to goal attainment in the Mobility and the Self-Care chapter.

Conclusions: The family goals were reflected in standardized measures. The combined use of standardized and individual measures offers a possibility to explore the focus in therapy and the impact in children with cerebral palsy.