Importance of correlations of gross motoric functions data and functional independence for management of children with motoric disabilities.

The aim of the rehabilitation therapy is to improve the level of functional independence and decrease degree of disability. The optimization of programs of rehabilitation means functional improvement of the person, and this approach is a basis of effective management. To evaluate the correlation of Gross Motoric Function Data and Functional Independence Measure for children with cerebral palsy. A total of 397 children with cerebral palsy aged 1 to 12 years at the onset of study were observed for up to 3.5 years during the period from 2002 to 2005. Children were assessed by GMFM-88 (Gross Motor Function Measure), by WeeFIM (Functional Independence Measure for Children). Over the course of the study 397 children had a total of 6875 GMFM assessments, or an average of 17.3 observations per child and 1518 -- WeeFIM, or an average of 3.8 observations per child. The values of GMFM-88 and WeeFIM are well correlated (p<0.01). At certain stage of rehabilitation treatment the rate of improvement of gross motoric function slows down and then practically stops. In patients with gross motoric function level IV-V its value remains especially low, and accordingly there is no improvement of functional abilities. This is the main reason of ineffectiveness of rehabilitation treatment and necessity of tertiary care preventive measures.