Abstract: ObjectiveTo review the concepts of three common scales assessing upper limbs function of children with cerebral palsy, namely Fine Motor Function Measure (FMFM), Melbourne Assessment 2 of Unilateral Upperlimb Function (MA2) and Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST), from the framework of Chinese version of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-Child and Youth Version (ICF-CY). MethodsConcepts of each item from FMFM, MA2 and QUEST were extracted independently by a rehabilitation doctor and a therapist with professional experience more than three years, and then linked with ICF-CY category according to the linking rules. The distribution of concepts of each scale linking to ICF-CY categories was investigated. ResultsA total of 62 concepts were extracted from these three scales, and 403 linkages to various ICF-CY categories. Concepts from FMFM were the most linked with ICF-CY category among them, in which nearly two-thirds (134/204) concepts linked with the categories of Activity And Participation. Concepts from QUEST principally linked with the category of joint and arm-supporting in Body Function. Concepts from MA2 linked to category of cognition function which reflected motor accuracy 7 times and motor fluency 9 times (more than 50% of the total amount of linkages). ConclusionFMFM mainly evaluates the activity and participation associated with upper limb function in children with cerebral palsy, and may be more applicable for younger children. MA2 mainly evaluates the accuracy and fluency of upperlimb movement. QUEST mainly evaluates body function especially the joint and supporting function of upper limbs.

Key words: cerebral palsy, upper limbs, functional assessment, content validity