GMFM and Peabody: How motor tests can help your child
- Remco Hoppezak
- Apr 16
- 5 min read
Parents want the best for their child's development – especially when it comes to motor skills. At our ApexaQLA Suisse center, we therefore rely on proven motor tests to accurately assess developmental levels. Two particularly important tests are the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales. (Peabody for short, currently in its 3rd version). But what do these abbreviations actually mean, how do such tests work, and what benefits do they bring to you and your child? In this article, we explain in a clear and understandable way what GMFM and Peabody are, which age groups they are intended for, what distinguishes the latest versions of the Peabody tests (Peabody-1, -2, -3), and how we at ApexaQLA incorporate these assessments into our Sensophysio therapy concept. integrate.
What are GMFM and Peabody Motor Tests?
Feature | GMFM (Gross Motor Function Measure) | Peabody-1 (1983) | Peabody-2 (2000) | Peabody-3 (2023) |
Target group | Children with motor disabilities (especially CP) | 0–83 months | 0–71 months | 0–71 months |
Age range | approx. 5 months – 16 years (in case of developmental delay) | Infants to preschool age | Infants to preschool age | Infants to preschool age |
Test content | Gross motor skills in 5 areas | Gross and fine motor skills | Gross and fine motor skills | Gross and fine motor skills (modernized) |
Evaluation | Criterion-oriented, no norm values | Norm-oriented (1st norm sample) | New standardization | Updated authority data & tasks |
Special features | Specific for the course of CP, very sensitive | First comprehensive motor skills scales | Revised manual | Current test structure & fitness expansion |
Use at ApexaQLA | Follow-up, making therapy effects visible | – | – | Initial diagnostics, target planning |
The GMFM (Gross Motor Function Measure) is a standardized observational test that measures a child's gross motor skills. It was originally developed specifically for children with cerebral palsy (CP), but has also been validated for other motor impairments such as Down syndrome. The GMFM is based on developmental steps up to the age of approximately 5: lying, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking. The tasks are rated on a scale of 0 to 3, depending on how well the child performs the movement. The focus is not on comparison with peers, but on individual progress over time.
The Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (PDMS) – currently in its third version (Peabody-3) – are a normed developmental test that covers both gross and fine motor skills. It is suitable for children from approximately 3 months to 5.5 years of age. Among other things, body control, locomotion, object control (e.g., ball play), manual dexterity, and eye-hand coordination are assessed. Each skill is assessed relative to age-appropriate development. The third version contains updated items, new normative data, and is more practical than its predecessors.
Why are these tests useful? They provide objective, comprehensible results about your child's motor development. This not only helps with therapy planning, but also provides you as a parent with security and clarity: Where is my child at? What do they need? And how can we achieve progress together?
Therapy tools and methods at ApexaQLA
To achieve the goals identified through testing, we at ApexaQLA utilize a variety of modern therapy tools . Here's a brief overview of what's available as part of our Sensophysio concept—the selection is, of course, individually tailored to your child:
Sensory Integration Tools (including astronaut training , deep pressure, vestibular stimuli)
Classical pediatric physiotherapy , including the Apexi-Stretch developed at ApexaQLA, based on proven principles to promote posture and movement.
These diverse tools are combined in the Sensophysio program and always used in a goal-oriented manner – that is, based on the results of the assessments, we define specific therapy goals together with you. These goals largely determine which tools are used at which time. Depending on the developmental stage and needs, a goal could be, for example, learning to sit independently, improving trunk stability, using a hand more purposefully, or practicing balance while walking. The therapeutic selection is therefore not only based on the tool, but primarily on the desired functional progress in everyday life. These goals can be very diverse – for example, achieving a stable sitting position, walking freely without aids, using the hands purposefully in everyday life (e.g., when eating or dressing), or improving body awareness. Even finely graduated intermediate goals such as "5 seconds of unassisted standing" or "targeted weight shifting in the quadrupedal position" can be valuable. Each therapy step builds on the previous one, creating a clear hierarchy of goals: from basic skills like posture control to dynamic movements and more complex everyday functions. Through this goal-oriented planning, we create visible developmental steps that are understandable for both your child and you as a parent.
Closing words
The GMFM and Peabody-3 are valuable tools for assessing your child's motor development in depth. They show in detail where support is needed and provide measurable indicators of therapy success. At ApexaQLA Suisse, we use these tests to tailor evidence-based, individualized therapy plans. Your child should receive the support they truly need, and you should be able to clearly track their progress. In our Sensophysio intensive program, the assessments are closely integrated, so that knowledge (from the tests) and action (in therapy) go hand in hand.
A central element of our approach is family-centered care. This means that you, as a parent, are an integral part of the process. We provide you with transparent information, listen to your perspectives, and actively involve you in the therapy planning and goals. Your observations, wishes, and experiences are just as important to us as the test results. A central element of our approach is family-centered care. This means that you, as a parent, are an integral part of the process. We provide you with transparent information, listen to your perspectives, and actively involve you in the therapy planning and goals. Your observations, wishes, and experiences are just as important to us as the test results.
We know: Parents are the experts on their child – and at ApexaQLA, we've made it our mission to empower you as a mom, dad, or caregiver. Through transparent communication, targeted guidance, and shared goal setting, we make you an active expert for your own child – so you don't just participate, but become part of the progress.
For you as a mom or dad, this means maximum transparency, a say, and the certainty that we are systematically working on your child's success. You can contact us at any time if you have questions about the tests or our approach – we'll be happy to explain everything in detail. Together, we'll ensure that your little one can fully develop their motor potential , step by step, milestone by milestone.
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