Sonja Mensch

101 Construct validity and responsiveness Table 2. Characteristics of the study population N = 60 % Gender Male Female 31 29 52 48 Age in years 1-6 6-12 12-18 20 28 12 33 47 20 Cognitive development level in months 0-6 6-12 12-18 >18 Not scored 27 12 5 2 14 45 20 8 3 23 GMFCS* 1 level IV V Not scored 22 31 7 37 52 11 Diagnosis Cerebral Palsy Spastic CP Ataxic CP Dyskinetic CP Syndromes/ gene mutations Acquired brain injury Metabolic disease Unknown 25 21 1 3 18 1 2 14 42 84 4 12 30 1.7 3 23 Comorbidity Epilepsy PEG *2 tube Scoliosis Visual impairment Respiratory problem Secondary problem (contractures) Other *3 39 22 24 44 17 29 17 65 37 40 73 28 48 28 Assistive devices* 4 Wheelchair Standing device Walking aid (Semi) Orthopaedic shoes Orthotics Lying device 57 42 24 24 32 16 95 70 40 40 53 27 * 1 GMFCS: Gross Motor Function Classification System (Palisano et al., 1997). To indicate the level of motor abilities for the total group of children with SMD we used the GMFCS * 2 PEG tube: percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube * 3 Other: additionally noted comorbid conditions such as heart disease, hearing disorders, diabetes mellitus, gastro- oesophageal reflux disease * 4 Assistive devices and aids for personal mobility (World Health Organization, 2008)