Sonja Mensch

66 Chapter 3 or less daily basis. In such a situation, the requirements of the instrument can easily be met. We are not familiar with the involvement of physical therapists with children with SMD in other countries, but presume that most therapists treat their children often. This study does not provide other psychometrics properties of Movakic. A prospectivestudy thatwouldprevent recall bias is recommended.Our studyonMovakic’s reliability, in collaboration with physical therapists in different care provider services, is reported in this issue in part II. Since we have demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties, it will now be possible to use Movakic to evaluate effectiveness of current physical therapeutic interventions in children with SMD, and assess the effect of change in motor ability score on health and participation goals and quality of life. CONCLUSION The clinical suitability of the eight existing tests of motor abilities of disabled children for children with severe multiple disabilities (SMD) proved inadequate and as a result led us to design a new instrument. Using consensus criteria developed by an expert focus group of physical therapists a comprehensive instrument for the measurement of motor ability for children with SMDwas developed: Movakic. Movakic is a questionnaire, containing of items on motor abilities, which can be objectified in a standardized procedure. Using a set of consensus based suitability requirements, Movakic was found to be applicable in clinical practice. In addition, Movakic has strong content validity.