PP06.8 – 2551: Face validity of the Global Upper Limb Deviation Index (GULDI)

Objective This study aimed to examine the face validity of the Global Upper Limb Deviation Index (GULDI), a measure that compiles 3D motion graph information from different joints and different motions in a single global index that quantifies motion pathology status. Methods Eight Typically Developing Children (TDC) and eight children with Bilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy (BSCP) were tested using 3D motion analysis while performing four reach to grasp and four gross motor tasks. Motion Graph Deviation Indexes (MGDIs) were calculated to summarize the subject's deviation at each specific joint graph and each specific motion. Motion Indexes (MIs) and Graph Indexes (GIs) were estimated from the average of the respective MGDIs. Finally GULDI was calculated from the average of all MI's demonstrating the overall motion pathology. Independent samples t-tests were used to assess GULDI, MIs and GIs differences between the TDC and BSCP groups. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted between the indexes and four qualitative CP assessment tools: MACS, GMFCS, Dystonia Fahn-Marsden Scale and Modified Ashworth Scale. Results GULDI was significantly (p Conclusion The high correlation of GULDI with four qualitative assessment tools increases the validation of that index providing a quantitative analysis tool for the assessment of upper limb function.