A comparison of functioning, activity, and participation in school-aged children with cerebral palsy using the manual ability classification system

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functioning, extent of activity, and participation of school-aged children with cerebral palsy (CP) using the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS). [Subjects and Methods] The Subjects were 57 school-aged children (7–12 years old) with CP. The MACS, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth (ICF-CY) Checklist, and a questionnaire were used to measure children’s functioning, activity, and participation. [Results] GMFM scores differed significantly across the MACS levels. The following differed significantly according to MACS level when assessed with the ICF-CY function section: mental functions; sensory function and pain; voice and speech functions; functions of the digestive, metabolic, and endocrine systems; genitourinary and reproductive function; and neuromusculoskeletal and movement related function. The data from the activities and participation section of the ICF-CY also showed statistically significant differences across MACS levels. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the functioning, activity, and participation of school-aged children with CP depend on their MACS level and that the functioning of children with CP affects their activities and participation.