19 May Do you have a child with Cerebral PalsyHave you been told that your child is a Level I, II, III, IV, V Cerebral Palsy but it’s just numbers to you

Do you have a child with Cerebral PalsyHave you been told that your child is a Level I, II, III, IV, V Cerebral Palsy but it’s just numbers to you

Here at My Favourite Physio, our Expert Paediatric Physiotherapists see many little ones with Cerebral Palsy, and are at times the first health professionals to diagnose a child with Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy is considered a neurological disorder caused by a non-progressive brain injury or malformation that occurs while the child’s brain is under development. Cerebral Palsy primarily affects body movement and muscle coordination.

One of the ways Cerebral Palsy is classified is based on gross motor function using the Gross Motor Functional Classification Scale (GMFCS). GMFCS looks at movements such as sitting, walking and use of mobility devices.
GMFCS Level I
Children walk without any walking aids. They can climb stairs without the use of a railing. Children perform gross motor skills such as running and jumping, but speed, balance and coordination are limited.
GMFCS Level II
Children walk in most settings and climb stairs holding onto a railing. Children may walk with physical assistance, a walking aid or use a wheelchair over long distances.
GMFCS Level III
Children walk using a walking aid in most indoor settings. Children use a wheelchair when traveling long distances and may self-propel for shorter distances.
GMFCS Level IV
Children use a wheelchair in most settings. They may walk for short distances at home with physical assistance or using a body support walker when positioned. Outdoors, children are transported in a wheelchair.
GMFCS Level V
Children are transported in a manual wheelchair in all settings. Children are limited in their ability to maintain antigravity head and trunk postures and control leg and arm movements.

The GMFCS is a descriptive tool for a child’s gross motor function, however, the KEY FACTOR is EARLY INTERVENTION WHICH WILL DETERMINE THE LEVEL OF GROSS MOTOR FUNCTION. So if you have a child with Cerebral Palsy, and would love to see them achieve their best potential, reach out to My Favourite Physio on (02) 9790 4233 or DM us @myfavouritephysio today!