Structural validity of the French version of the Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation (CASP-Fr) and factors influencing the participation of children with neuromuscular diseases

(1) To examine the structural validity of the French version of the Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation (CASP-Fr) in children with neuromuscular diseases (NMD). (2) To determine the influence of demographic and clinical factors on the participation of children with NMD. We conducted an observational, cross-sectional, multicentre study in 3 centres in France. The CASP-Fr was completed by parents of children with NMD (age 3–18 years). Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was performed to evaluate the structural validity. Total CASP-Fr score was used to evaluate participation and the effect of relevant clinical factors on participation was determined using multivariate analysis. We included 138 children. Median (Q1–Q3) age: 10.6 (8.0–13.1 years); median CASP-Fr total score: 88.5 (81.3–94.1). CASP-Fr evaluated the self-care, communication, mobility and advanced activities constructs of participation. Only motor function was significantly associated with participation in the multivariate analysis. The CASP-Fr evaluates slightly different constructs in children with NMD than the original CASP. The participation of children with NMD was relatively high. The association with motor function suggests a major influence of the environment that should be further explored to improve the involvement in life situations of children with NMD. Participation in life situations is for children with neuromuscular diseases (NMD) is similar to that of their peers.The French version of the Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation assesses participation in Self-care, Communication, Mobility and Advanced activities in children with NMD.The reasons for participation restrictions are multi-factorial in children with NMD: motor function is only moderately associated with participation.Barriers and facilitators to participation for children with NMD must be sought in the environment. Participation in life situations is for children with neuromuscular diseases (NMD) is similar to that of their peers. The French version of the Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation assesses participation in Self-care, Communication, Mobility and Advanced activities in children with NMD. The reasons for participation restrictions are multi-factorial in children with NMD: motor function is only moderately associated with participation. Barriers and facilitators to participation for children with NMD must be sought in the environment.