Validation of the Gait Outcomes Assessment List questionnaire and caregiver priorities for individuals with cerebral palsy.

AIM

To expand upon previous validation of the Gait Outcomes Assessment List (GOAL) questionnaire in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), to rank items by importance, and to summarize written-in (free text) goals.

METHOD

For this cross-sectional study, the parent-version 5.0 of the GOAL was completed by 310 consecutive caregivers of 310 individuals aged 3 to 25 years with CP (189 males, 121 females; mean [SD] age: 10y [4y 2mo]; Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] levels I-IV) concurrent with a gait analysis. Distribution properties and validity were quantified using questionnaires, kinematics, and oxygen consumption. Items classified as at least 'difficult' to perform and 'very important' to improve were considered caregiver priorities and rank ordered. Free text goals were categorized. Results were summarized for everyone and by GMFCS level.

RESULTS

Most scores were normally distributed. Validity was acceptable, with concurrent greater than construct validity. Among all 310 caregivers, fatigue was the highest priority, followed by gait pattern and appearance items. The rank of priorities varied by GMFCS level. Common free text goals included toileting independently as well as improved fine motor and ball sport skills.

INTERPRETATION

The GOAL is a valid tool that can help prioritize goals across GMFCS levels I to IV. Identifying the top goals may improve shared decision-making and prioritize research for this sample.