Reliability and Cross-Cultural Validation of the Turkish Version of the Visual Function Classification System (VFCS) for Children with Cerebral Palsy

This correlational study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Visual Function Classification System (VFCS) for children with CP.
Two physiotherapists and caregivers (n = 56) applied the VFCS (n = 120) two times at a 15-day interval. Physiotherapists’ classifications were compared for interrater reliability. Same physiotherapists and caregivers’ classifications’ were compared for intrarater reliability. Expanded & Revised Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS E&R), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), and Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) were used for assessing validity of the culturally adapted VFCS.
The interrater reliability between physiotherapists was excellent (ICC = 0.974, ICC = 0.988), while interrater reliability between the first physiotherapist and caregivers was good (ICC = 0.866, ICC = 0.893). The intrarater reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.971, ICC = 0.996, ICC = 0.984). A correlation was detected between the VFCS and the GMFCS E&R, MACS, and CFCS levels (r = 0.415, p < .001, r = 0.450, p < .001, r = 0.491, p < .001).
The findings of this study demonstrate the utility, compatibility and reliability of the Turkish version of the VFCS.
NCT05102955