Manual Ability Classification System (MACS): reliability between therapists and parents in Brazil.

Background: The Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) has been widely used to describe the manual ability of children with cerebral palsy (CP); however its reliability has not been verified in Brazil.

Objective: To establish the inter- and intra-rater reliability of the Portuguese-Brazil version of the MACS by comparing the classifications given by therapists and parents of children with CP.

Method: Data were obtained from 90 children with CP between the ages of 4 and 18 years, who were treated at the neurology and rehabilitation clinics of a Brazilian hospital.

Hand function in the play behavior of children with cerebral palsy.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of hand function on the occupational performance of playing for children with cerebral palsy.

Methods: Twenty children with cerebral palsy took part in the study, of both genders, aged 3-10 years, with motor abilities ranging from I to V and manual abilities from II to IV. Data were collected using the Assessment of Ludic Behaviour before and after botulinum toxin was applied in the upper limbs to reduce spasticity.

Gross Motor Function Classification System Expanded & Revised (GMFCS E & R): reliability between therapists and parents in Brazil.

Background: Several studies have demonstrated the importance of using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) to classify gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy, but the reliability of the expanded and revised version has not been examined in Brazil (GMFCS E & R).

Objective: To determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the Portuguese-Brazil version of the GMFCS E & R applied by therapists and compare to classification provided by parents of children with cerebral palsy.

Method: Data were obtained from 90 children with cerebral palsy, aged 4 to 18 years old, attending the neurology or rehabilitation service of a Brazilian hospital.

Classification of cerebral palsy: association between gender, age, motor type, topography and Gross Motor Function.

The goal of this study was to assess the relation between gender, age, motor type, topography and gross motor function, based on the Gross Motor Function System of children with cerebral palsy. Trunk control, postural changes and gait of one hundred children between 5 months and 12 years old, were evaluated. There were no significant differences between gender and age groups (p=0.