Gross Motor Function Measure
Discover the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), a valuable tool for assessing children with cerebral palsy or neurological impairments. Download a free PDF example.
Fact Checked by RJ Gumban.
What is a Gross Motor Function?
Gross motor function refers to the ability to perform large muscle movements and coordinate the body in activities such as sitting, crawling, walking, and running. Gross motor function is essential for everyday activities and independence. For children with neurological impairments or conditions like cerebral palsy, evaluating and tracking their gross motor function is critical for determining appropriate interventions and support.
The is a standardized observational assessment designed to evaluate gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy or other neurological impairments. The GMFM is often used to monitor changes in gross motor function over time or in response to interventions such as physical therapy or surgery. It consists of 88 items (or 66 for the GMFM-66 version) grouped into five dimensions: lying and rolling, sitting, crawling and kneeling, standing and walking, and running and jumping.
Printable Gross Motor Function Measure
Download this Gross Motor Function Measure to assess children with cerebral palsy or neurological impairments.
How does the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) work?
The GMFM is conducted by a trained evaluator, such as a physical therapist or pediatric specialist, who observes the child performing each item and scores their performance based on predetermined criteria. Here are the main steps involved in using the GMFM:
Step 1: Preparation
Before conducting the assessment, the evaluator should familiarize themselves with the GMFM scoring manual, gather necessary equipment, and ensure adequate space for the child to perform the tasks.
Step 2: Establish rapport
The evaluator must establish rapport with the child and their caregivers to ensure a comfortable and cooperative environment. The evaluator should explain the purpose of the assessment and what to expect during the session.
Step 3: Warm-up
The child may need a brief warm-up period to become comfortable with the environment and the evaluator. This could include engaging in a few regular activities or exercises.
Step 4: Assessment
The evaluator will guide the child through the GMFM items, asking them to perform each task to the best of their ability. The evaluator will observe the child's performance and score each item on a four-point scale from 0 to 3, according to the scoring criteria provided in the manual.
Step 5: Scoring and interpretation
After completing the assessment, the evaluator will calculate the scores for each dimension and the total GMFM score. These scores can be used to track changes in the child's motor function over time or evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. The scores can also be compared with age-matched norms or the child's previous GMFM scores to assess progress.
Step 6: Documentation and communication
The evaluator should document the child's performance, scores, and relevant observations. Communicating the results to the child's caregivers and other care team members is essential to inform decision-making and develop appropriate intervention plans.
GMFM Scoring
The GMFM uses a four-point scale for scoring each item: 0 (does not initiate), 1 (initiates), 2 (partially completes), and 3 (completes). The scores for each dimension can be combined to create a total GMFM score, which can be used to track changes in a child's gross motor function over time or evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
Gross Motor Function Measure example (sample)
In this guide, we have provided a sample answered GMFM test that will serve as a helpful reference for evaluators, caregivers, and other professionals involved in assessing and caring for children with cerebral palsy or other neurological impairments.
Download this Gross Motor Function Measure Example (Sample) here:
When to use this GMFM Test?
The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) is a valuable tool for evaluating and monitoring the gross motor function of children with cerebral palsy or other neurological impairments. Knowing when to use the GMFM test is crucial for obtaining meaningful and actionable insights into a child's motor abilities and informing intervention plans.
The GMFM is most appropriate for use when:
- Evaluating a child's gross motor function to determine their strengths and weaknesses and identify areas for targeted intervention.
- Monitoring a child's progress over time to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or surgery.
- Establishing baseline measurements of gross motor function to assess changes in the child's abilities as they grow and develop.
- Comparing a child's gross motor function to age-matched norms or their previous GMFM scores to determine if they are making expected progress or if additional support is needed.
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, educators, and caregivers to inform decision-making and develop comprehensive, individualized care plans for the child.
Benefits of free Gross Motor Function Measures
The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) is a valuable tool for assessing and tracking the motor abilities of children with cerebral palsy or other neurological impairments. Utilizing a free GMFM resource not only makes this assessment more accessible to healthcare professionals, educators, and caregivers but also offers a host of benefits that contribute to better understanding, planning, and managing the child's needs.
Standardized assessment
The GMFM provides a consistent and reliable method for evaluating a child's gross motor function, allowing for meaningful comparisons over time or between children. Using standardized criteria and scoring systems, the GMFM ensures that assessments are conducted consistently, reducing variability and increasing the accuracy of the results.
Comprehensive evaluation
The GMFM covers many motor skills, from basic movements, like rolling and sitting, to more complex activities, like walking and jumping. This comprehensive assessment allows evaluators to gain a complete understanding of a child's gross motor abilities, ensuring that all aspects of their motor function are considered when making decisions about interventions and support services.
Informed decision-making
The GMFM helps inform decisions about appropriate interventions and support services for children with motor function challenges. By providing a detailed picture of a child's gross motor abilities, the GMFM allows healthcare professionals, educators, and caregivers to make evidence-based decisions about the most effective strategies and resources to support the child's development and participation in daily activities.
Progress tracking
The GMFM enables caregivers and healthcare professionals to monitor a child's progress and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. By comparing a child's scores over time or in response to specific interventions, the GMFM can help determine whether the child is making expected progress or if adjustments to their care plan are needed. This ongoing monitoring ensures that interventions are tailored to the child's unique needs and can be adapted to support their continued growth and development.
Collaborative care
The GMFM facilitates communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals, educators, and caregivers involved in a child's care. By providing a shared understanding of a child's gross motor function, the GMFM helps to create a coordinated approach to supporting the child's development and participation in daily activities. This collaborative approach ensures that all care team members are working together to provide the best possible support for the child and their family.
Why use this GMFM app?
Using a GMFM app like Carepatron offers several advantages for conducting and scoring the Gross Motor Function Measure:
Streamlined data collection
The app allows evaluators to quickly and easily input scores and notes, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.
Real-time scoring
The app calculates scores for each dimension and the total GMFM score automatically, providing immediate feedback on a child's performance.
Data storage and organization
The app stores all assessment data securely, making it easy to access and review past assessments or track a child's progress over time.
Collaboration
The app enables seamless communication and collaboration among care team members, facilitating informed decision-making and comprehensive care planning.
Accessibility
The app can be accessed on various devices, making it a convenient and user-friendly option for evaluators in multiple settings.
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Commonly asked questions
The GMFM is scored on a four-point scale for each item: 0 (does not initiate), 1 (initiates), 2 (partially completes), and 3 (completes). The scores for each dimension can be combined to create a total GMFM score.
The GMFM measures a child's gross motor function in five dimensions: lying and rolling, sitting, crawling and kneeling, standing and walking, running, and jumping.
The GMFM is administered by a trained evaluator, who guides the child through each item and observes their performance. The evaluator scores each item based on predetermined criteria, calculates the scores for each dimension and the total GMFM score, and documents the child's performance and relevant observations.
Preparation, establishing rapport, warming up, assessing, scoring and interpreting, and documentation and communication are all essential steps in administering the GMFM effectively. The evaluator must be familiar with the GMFM scoring manual and practice scoring items to build their skills and confidence in using the instrument.
