Construct validity of the Capacity Profile in preschool children with cerebral palsy

The Capacity Profile (CAP) classifies additional care needs, subdivided into five domains of body functions (physical health, motor, sensory, mental, and voice/speech) of children with stable conditions. Construct validity of the CAP was established in 72 children (56 males, 16 females) with cerebral palsy (CP); median age 2 years 7 months, range 2 years 6 months to 3 years; 34 unilateral and 37 bilateral spastic‐type CP, one dyskinetic‐type CP. Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) classification was 24 in level I, eight in level II, 18 in level III, 14 in level IV, and eight in level V. All CAP domains were significantly associated (p<0.001) with the Functional Skills (rho=−0.42 to −0.85) and Caregiver Assistance scales (rho=−0.42 to −0.82) of the Dutch Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory. The CAP‐motor domain and GMFCS were strongly correlated (rho=0.91, p<0.001). Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that the CAP domains contributed 74% to mobility (CAP‐motor 66%, mental 6%, voice 2%); 75% to self‐care (CAP‐voice 61%, mental 12%, physical 2%); and 70% to social functionality (CAP‐mental 68%, voice 2%). CAP demonstrated good construct validity in young children with CP. The independent contribution of CAP domains to daily function underscores the importance of comprehensive assessment with regard to all domains of body functions in heterogeneous conditions like CP.

Construct validity of the Capacity Profile in preschool children with cerebral palsy Journal Articles