To describe two classifications, one for the general pattern of the upper limb (Fig. 1) and one for the type of hands (Fig. 2) in cerebral palsy (CP), and to provide evidence of its reliability.

Two classifications were developed and 212 videos of CP-patients (118 for UL patterns and 94 for hands; median age 14, 3–46 years) were viewed by 19 examiners of 2 different rehabilitation centers, who identified the UL pattern (Type Ia, Ib, Ic; Type IIa, IIb, IIc; Type IIIa, IIIb) or the kind of hand (Flex simple, total or evolved; Punching intrinsic, superficialis or profundus), and twice by 18 examiners at 2 months interval.

There was a very high intra-rater and inter-raters reliability for types (0.87<k<0.92), and a substantial agreement also for subtypes (0.58<k<0.68), for both classifications. Some specific errors of quotation could be explained. Examiners involved in the study found both classifications useful and feasible.

Examiners had been only shortly trained to using classifications, and both novice and experienced raters had good to high agreement, which confirms that these classifications are easy to use reliably. Details of disagreement can be used to improve further both classifications.