ICF-based functioning profiles in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: Evidence from a population-based study in Argentina.

PURPOSE: In Argentina, there is no consensus on the functional assessment of children with cerebral palsy (CP). The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Sets for children with CP are tools that standardize clinical functional assessments. The aim was to build functioning profiles of children with CP aged 2 to 18 years in eight Argentine cities, to identify their functional needs and contribute to improving assessment processes.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study, developed in stages. This article describes the last stage, the creation of the functional profile of a sample surveyed in eight cities. Twenty-five categories established in the common abbreviated core set of CP were evaluated through the application of a protocol called PC-CIFuncional (previously created). This protocol consists of scales or culturally sensitive instruments, assessed through clinical evaluations and questionnaires for children and families.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-three functioning profiles were built using the previously developed PC-CIFuncional protocol. Of the participants, 52.7% had severe motor compromise with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels IV and V. In children at GMFCS level IV-V, most categories in activities and participation-including recreation, communication and physical activity-showed severe limitations and restrictions, compared with their peers. The use of technology for daily living and mobility in children with less motor compromise (GMFCS level I-III) was neither a facilitator nor a barrier, but in children with greater compromise it was a complete facilitator.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in functional needs were identified in children with CP according to motor involvement. This project standardizes the identification of functional needs and therapeutic goals based on ICF language, creating novel functioning profiles in Argentina.