Video-based documentation and rating system of the motor behaviour of handicapped children treated with physiotherapy —a new outcome measure

PURPOSE: Development of an instrument to measure modifications of motor quality in handicapped children receiving physiotherapy. METHODS: A video-based documentation method of motor behaviour in children from 0 to 3 years receiving physiotherapy was elaborated, consisting of a standardized set of scenes (script) and a rating procedure concerning different categories of motor behaviour such as coordination, stability and effort. RESULTS: The construction of the script and the rating system proved to be sensitive in documenting and evaluating the motor behaviour of handicapped children receiving physiotherapy. A good inter-rater reliability of 0.85 was obtained. The chosen rating categories represent two independent factors: One relating more to the motor functions (motor component) and the other relating to the psycho-social aspects of movement (interactive component). CONCLUSION: The instrument allows to evaluate the quality aspects of movement. They can be observed in motor behaviour regardless of which function is being executed and may develop in a different pace and at different stages of therapy than specific motor functions such as turning, sitting or walking. The instrument is intended to complement a standard neurological examination and the application of motor function tests, especially, to evaluate therapeutic outcomes.