The Validity and Reliability of the Seated Postural Control Measure in Cerebral Palsy

Pediatr Phys Ther. 2025 Apr 1;37(2):248-255. doi: 10.1097/PEP.0000000000001180. Epub 2025 Mar 26.

Abstract

Purpose: To establish the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Seated Postural Control Measure (SPCM-TR) in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: The original version of the Seated Postural Control Measure was translated and culturally adapted according to international guidelines. The participants were 124 children with CP, with a mean age of 8.6 ± 2.6 years. The measures were administered by 2 independent physical therapists twice, 1 week apart. Convergent validity was evaluated with the sitting dimension of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), whereas construct validity was evaluated with the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).

Results and conclusions: Cronbach's alpha values of the alignment and function subscales and total score were 0.83, 0.89, and 0.91, respectively. Correlations between SPCM-TR total scores and GMFCS (-0.92) and GMFM (0.91) scores were very good. The intraclass correlation coefficient was excellent (0.90) for intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. The results indicate that the SPCM-TR is a valid and reliable scale in children with CP.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Palsy* / physiopathology
  • Cerebral Palsy* / rehabilitation
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disability Evaluation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Skills
  • Postural Balance* / physiology
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sitting Position*
  • Turkey