Which of the following is an outcome measure used to assess children with CP?

• A. Goal Attainment Scale (GAS)
• B. Timed Up and Go
• C. Vancouver Cognitive Assessment
• D. Handgrip Strength Test

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is using a patient-centered measure that can capture meaningful functional change after therapy in children with cerebral palsy. The Goal Attainment Scale fits this need because it lets you set specific, individualized goals with the child and family and then rate how well those goals were achieved after intervention. Each goal is tied to a predefined expected level of attainment, and the scale often spans from much less than expected to much more than expected, making it sensitive to both small and large improvements. This approach aligns with CP’s diverse presentations, because you’re measuring actual, relevant outcomes for that child—activities they care about, participation, and everyday functioning—rather than a single fixed test. In contrast, Timed Up and Go is a general mobility test that provides a time-based performance snapshot, not necessarily tied to a personal goal. The Vancouver Cognitive Assessment is a cognitive screening tool not specific to CP, and the Handgrip Strength Test assesses an impairment (strength) rather than functional or participation outcomes. So, the Goal Attainment Scale is the best choice for an outcome measure in this context.