Cerebral Palsy Update - Focusing on the Treatments and Interventions

Cerebral palsy (CP), known as “Little’s disease” is the most common neurologic disorder in pediatric patients. The core problem of CP is the abnormal movement and posture which manifests very early in the development. The cornerstone to treat the children with CP is the conventional rehabilitation program based on neurodevelopmental approach that has been done for decades. Recently, various translational research has emerged, and focused on the changing therapeutic paradigm using high technologic equipment such as computer- or robotic-approach, botulinum toxin, or stem cell use with potential therapeutic effect. Many other trials using newly developed devices, or combination of old and new therapies are ongoing to demonstrate the evidence, however obstacles still remain. Regarding rehabilitative therapy, the use of exercise-based treatment such as early intervention, gross motor task training, hippotherapy, reactive balance training, treadmill training with/without body weight support, and trunk-targeted training are promising. Virtual reality, robot-assisted and computer-enhanced therapies are very potent therapeutic tools for CP under way of mass commercialization. Regarding medical therapy, botulinum toxin injection showed the most concrete benefit for CP children. Stem cell therapy is just beginning, performing experimental studies in vivo. The author reviewed the current research, expanding therapeutic options to improve the posture and movement control in children with CP.