Turkish Validity and Reliability of the Visual Function Classification System (VFCS)
Condition: Cerebral Palsy; Visual Impairment; Visual Disorder; Cerebral Visual Impairment; Cerebral Palsy, Spastic
MeSH terms: Paralysis; Cerebral Palsy; Vision Disorders; Vision, Low
Study type: Observational [Patient Registry]

Summary: 
      Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most common childhood disorder that occurs with a lesion in the
      developing infant brain, seen in 2-3/1000 live births. CP is a posture, movement and tone
      disorder that occurs due to prenatal or postnatal causes. It is not progressive, but since
      the anatomy of the lesion and the physical development of the individual are not completed,
      the course of the disorder may vary throughout life. Accompanied by motor dysfunctions, it
      varies according to clinical types. In addition to this, various visual, sensory and
      behavioral problems, speech disorders that cause learning difficulties and cognitive problems
      can also be observed. Ophthalmic disorders are the most common problem in CP and can also
      affect the developmental process of the patient. Since ophthalmic disorders and neurological
      deficits are associated in CP, the relationship between neurological disorder and ophthalmic
      disorders has been investigated in the literature. The aim of this study is to establish the
      Turkish validity and reliability of the Visual Function Classification System (VFCS) specific
      to individuals with Cerebral Palsy (CP).
    

Detailed description: 
      Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most common childhood disorder that occurs with a lesion in the
      developing infant brain, seen in 2-3/1000 live births. CP is a posture, movement and tone
      disorder that occurs due to prenatal or postnatal causes. It is not progressive, but since
      the anatomy of the lesion and the physical development of the individual are not completed,
      the course of the disorder may vary throughout life. Accompanied by motor dysfunctions, it
      varies according to clinical types. In addition to this, various visual, sensory and
      behavioral problems, speech disorders that cause learning difficulties and cognitive problems
      can also be observed. Ophthalmic disorders are the most common problem in CP and can also
      affect the developmental process of the patient. Since ophthalmic disorders and neurological
      deficits are associated in CP, the relationship between neurological disorder and ophthalmic
      disorders has been investigated in the literature. Studies show that 60-70% of children with
      CP also have CVI. CVI is defined as a lack of visual function resulting from damage or
      disruption of the retrogeniculate visual pathways (optic radiations, occipital cortex, visual
      associative areas) in the absence of any major ocular disease. This involvement of the
      retrogeniculate visual pathways is common in CP, given that the lesions most commonly
      underlying this condition also affect the visual areas of the brain. CVI is defined as
      bilateral loss of central visual function (visual acuity) caused by neurological damage to
      the visual cortex and⁄or visual pathway structures. It is most commonly caused by hypoxic
      ischemia causing periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in the preterm infant. Disturbance of the
      oculomotor system is also typical in CP. Abnormalities in functions such as fixation,
      tracking and saccadic movements; Strabismus and abnormal ocular movements are also frequently
      described. With the participation of visual relational areas, visual perception and
      integration disorders, which are often seen as visual cognitive disorders, can occur when the
      child reaches school age. These impairments should be investigated even when visual functions
      such as visual acuity and visual field are normal or mildly impaired.Gross Motor
      Classification System (GMFCS) and Manual Skill Classification System (MACS) are used by
      clinicians to obtain a clear picture of how motor skills of individuals with CP, mobility
      levels in daily life and independence levels of hand functions are affected. However,
      although it is known that children with CP have visual effects, the methods in which visual
      functions are classified are insufficient. Therefore, Baranello et al. A tool has been
      developed to classify the visual function classification system. The aim of this study is to
      establish the Turkish validity and reliability of the Visual Function Classification System
      (VFCS) specific to individuals with Cerebral Palsy (CP).
    

Intervention name(s): Observational questionnaires
Intervention type(s): Other
Intervention description(s): All one Group/ Visual Function Classification System(VFCS), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), Communication Function Classification System(CFCS) Questionnaires will be assessed by the different raters (physiotherapists). But Visual Function Classification System(VFCS) will be assesed also by the parents.
Other intervention name(s): Assessments
Observational model: Other
Time perspective: Prospective
Sampling method: Probability Sample
Study population: 
        Children with CP of different clinical types in the 1-18 age range
      
Keywords: Cerebral Palsy; Visual Function Classification System (VFCS); validity; reliability; Visual Impairment; Visual Disorder