NEUROPLASTICITY IN CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH CEREBRAL PALSY: EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF KINESITHERAPY
Keywords:
Cerebral palsy, neuroplasticity, kinesitherapy, motor learning, rehabilitation, pediatric neurorehabilitation, functional outcomes.Abstract
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of chronic motor disability in childhood and is frequently accompanied by impaired movement patterns, balance dysfunction, and limitations in activities of daily living. Neuroplasticity—the capacity of the nervous system to reorganize structure and function in response to training—provides a key biological basis for rehabilitation in CP. Kinesitherapy, as a systematic therapeutic use of movement, is widely applied to enhance motor learning, functional mobility, and participation. This article analyzes the neuroplastic mechanisms relevant to cerebral palsy and evaluates the effectiveness of kinesitherapy interventions in improving motor outcomes. The review highlights the role of task-specific training, repetition, intensity, sensory feedback, and individualized progression as major factors driving functional improvement. Evidence indicates that kinesitherapy can support meaningful gains in gross motor function, gait efficiency, postural control, and upper-limb performance, particularly when therapy is intensive, goal-directed, and integrated into daily routines. The article emphasizes the importance of standardized outcome measures and long-term follow-up for reliable assessment of rehabilitation effects.
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