Gross Motor Function Classification System

The Gross Motor Function Classification System or GMFCS is a 5 level clinical classification system that describes the gross motor function of people with cerebral palsy on the basis of self-initiated movement abilities. Particular emphasis in creating and maintaining the GMFCS scale rests on evaluating sitting, walking, and wheeled mobility. Distinctions between levels are based on functional abilities; the need for walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, or canes / walking sticks; and to a much lesser extent, the actual quality of movement.

The original version of the GMFCS was developed in 1997. As of 2007, the expanded and revised version, known as GMFCS - E&R, further includes an age band for youth 12 to 18 years.

The original concept was developed collaboratively by Robert Palisano, Professor of Physiotherapy at Drexel University; Peter Rosenbaum, Professor of Developmental Paediatrics at McMaster University; Stephen Walter, Professor of Biostatistics at McMaster University; Dianne Russell; Ellen Wood; and Barbara Galuppi.

GMFCS is now the standard in both North America and Western Europe for mobility assessment and ambulatory ability prediction for cerebral palsy. The examination is done using the "Gross Motor Function Measure", (GMFM), a set of 66 sitting (truncal control) as well as walking exercises conducted during the GMFM assessment that help the specialist classify the person into one of the system's five levels or, sometimes, to classify the person as "in between" two different levels.