Reports of Case Series of Institutionalized Adults with Multiple Disabilities: how to Assess Functionality?

ABSTRACT: The objective of this paper is to propose and apply a form of functional neurological classification, based on positioning and transference in institutionalized adults with severe multiple disabilities. The method used was the cross-sectional, descriptive study in a long-stay institution in Curitiba, state of Paraná, Brazil. Participants were filmed at the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), posture transfer and displacement positions. The score from 1 to 5 points was given from the Aquatic Functional Assessment Scale (AFAS), as an adaptation to the floor. The International Classification of Functionality (ICF) was used as a toll to detail the positions regarding qualifiers of facilitators and restrictors for each participant. Five participants with multiple disabilities were evaluated, aged between 21 and 29 years, with a predominance of females (80%). Only one participant had assisted gait and 3 (60%) had stereotyped hands or upper body. Transfers between positions were not performed independently by any participant. The highest score found by AFAS was 14 points and the worst score was 5 points. The results indicate that the ICF was sensitive to perceive the movements or restrictive positions and facilitators for each of the participants and it may be able to help in choosing the best forms of evaluation.