Which outcome measure focuses on the assessment of gross motor function in children with Down syndrome?

The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) is specifically designed to assess gross motor function in children with various disabilities, including Down syndrome. It evaluates the child's ability to perform a range of movements and activities, such as lying, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking. The GMFM provides a comprehensive view of gross motor development and is particularly useful for tracking progress over time or in response to interventions.

This measure is standardized and takes into consideration the unique motor challenges that children with Down syndrome may face, making it highly relevant for practitioners assessing this population. Its focus on functional abilities directly reflects the challenges and capabilities of children with Down syndrome, allowing for targeted planning in therapies and interventions aimed at enhancing their gross motor skills.

In contrast, while the other options also assess motor skills in children, they do not focus specifically on gross motor function to the same extent or in the context of children with Down syndrome. The Bayley Scales measure a broader range of developmental areas, the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales assess both gross and fine motor skills but are not specifically tailored for Down syndrome, and the MABC assesses movement skills more generally without the same focus on gross motor function in children with specific developmental conditions.