Bimanual Capacity of Children With Cerebral Palsy: Intra- and Interrater Reliability of a Revised Edition of the Bimanual Fine Motor Function Classification. (27th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Elvrum, Ann-Kristin G.; Beckung, Eva; Sæther, Rannei; Lydersen, Stian; Vik, Torstein; Himmelmann, Kate
• Is Part Of: Physical & occupational therapy in pediatrics. Volume 37:Number 3(2017)
• Page Start: 239
• Page End: 251
• Publication Date: 2017-05-27
• Subjects: Bimanual fine motor function -- cerebral palsy -- capacity -- classification -- hand function -- reliability; Physical therapy for children -- Periodicals; Occupational therapy for children -- Periodicals; Child development deviations -- Periodicals; 615.82083
• DOI: 10.1080/01942638.2016.1185507
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0194-2638

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Aims: To develop a revised edition of the Bimanual Fine Motor Function (BFMF 2), as a classification of fine motor capacity in children with cerebral palsy (CP), and establish intra- and interrater reliability of this edition. Methods: The content of the original BFMF was discussed by an expert panel, resulting in a revised edition comprising the original description of the classification levels, but in addition including figures with specific explanatory text. Four professionals classified fine motor function of 79 children (3–17 years; 45 boys) who represented all subtypes of CP and Manual Ability Classification levels (I-V). Intra- and inter-rater reliability was assessed using overall intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), and Cohen's quadratic weighted kappa. Results: The overall ICC was 0.86. Cohen's weighted kappa indicated high intra-rater ( кw : >0.90) and inter-rater ( кw : >0.85) reliability. Conclusions: The revised BFMF 2 had high intra- and interrater reliability. The classification levels could be determined from short video recordings (<5 minutes), using the figures and precise descriptions of the fine motor function levels included in the BFMF 2. Thus, the BFMF 2 may be a feasible and useful classification of fine motor capacity both in research and in clinical practice.