Which statement about the Verschuren 3 Functional Strength Tests is NOT true?

• A. They are used to assess functional strength for GMFCS levels I-II
• B. They include lateral step up, half kneel to stand, and sit to stand
• C. They measure cognitive function
• D. They are used to assess range of motion in CP joints

Answer: (C)

Functional strength during practical movements is what Verschuren's three functional strength tests measure. They’re designed to quantify how much force and control a child can generate in real-life tasks, not to assess cognitive abilities. The three tasks—lateral step up, half kneel to stand, and sit-to-stand—are chosen because they reflect common transitions and activities that rely on functional lower-extremity strength, which is particularly relevant for children with CP at GMFCS levels I–II who can perform these movements. Because the focus is on motor performance during these movements, cognitive function isn’t evaluated by these tests. ROM is also not the primary target of this battery; while joint mobility can influence task performance, ROM is typically assessed with separate measurements. Therefore, the statement about measuring cognitive function is not true.