Introduction

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability in children .

Aim and objectives To compare the functional ability of  a cohort of children with CP using  the Gross motor functional classification system(GMFCS) for mobility, the Manual Ability Classification system(MACS) for manual function, Communication function classification system(CFCS) and Eating and drinking ability classification system(EDACS) and to assess comorbidities  after a  period of 4 years.

Materials and Methods:Hospital based  prospective study of sixty-four children with a diagnosis of CP aged 4-12 years attending the CP clinic .The children were categorized into  functional levels  using GMFCS,MACS,CFCS and EDACS.Their comorbidities including visual and hearing impairment seizures,attentiondeficit hyperactivity,behavioral probles were assessed. They were reviewed after a period of 4 years of therapy and their current status evaluated. Data was analysed using repeated measures ANOVA and standard t test.

Results;.The neurological subtypes were Spastic CP 46(71.9%)Dyskinetic CP12(18.7%)and Mixed CP 6(9.3%).51(80%)of the children  continued with  specific interventions advised. Statistical difference was seen in all the scores on successive assessment . The mean decrease in scores respectively were -GMFCS(F-39.076;p-.000)MACS(F-21.05;p-.000)EDACscore(F-17.258;p-0.000)and CFCS score(F=53.64;p-0.000.)Subjects with behavioural problems increased from 9 to 10 and hearing impairment from6(9.4%) to11( 17.2%) on follow up assessment. However there was no change in the frequency of subjects with visual problems.

Conclusion. The grading system of functional performance is beneficial for categorization and comparison of children with cerebral palsy.