Integrated Care Services for Cerebral Palsy: Multidisciplinary Approaches, Challenges, and Emerging Solutions

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 29 April 2026 | Viewed by 494

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
UIDEFMH, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, 1499-002 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: self-determination; intellectual and developmental disabilities; adaptative behavior; quality of life
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Psychology Research Centre (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
Interests: quality of life; health promotion; family functioning; emotional regulation; psychological distress; adverse childhood experiences; parental distress; chronic illness; psycho-oncology; psychological assessment; quantitative and qualitative methods

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Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Beira Interior, 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal
Interests: self-determination; developmental disabilities; cerebral palsy; self-regulation; procrastination

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder requiring coordinated, multidisciplinary care addressing motor, cognitive, and psychosocial needs. This Special Issue will focus on integrated care services that bridge gaps between disciplines such as medicine, psychology, engineering, education, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, and social work. We welcome original research articles, systematic reviews, and case studies exploring the following:

(i) Innovative models of multidisciplinary collaboration in CP care;

(ii) Challenges in service coordination, accessibility, and equity across healthcare systems;

(iii) Emerging solutions, including digital health tools, telehealth, and policy frameworks;

(iv) Lifespan perspectives, from early childhood to advanced age;

(v) Educational and psychosocial and support for individuals with CP and their families.

This Special Issue will highlight best practices, technological advancements, and policy recommendations to optimize outcomes for individuals with CP. Contributions from clinicians, researchers, engineers, educators, social workers, and policymakers are encouraged, with the aim of fostering a holistic dialogue around advancing CP care globally.

Dr. Sofia Santos
Dr. Martim Santos
Guest Editors

Dr. André Oliveira
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

  • cerebral palsy
  • multidisciplinary care
  • healthcare systems and services

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

19 pages, 393 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Core Stabilization Exercises on Upper Extremity Function and Balance in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Kübra Ecem Küçük and Cigdem Cekmece
Healthcare 2025, 13(12), 1454; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13121454 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 342
Abstract
Aim: This study explores the effects of core stabilization exercises on balance and upper extremity functions—both unilateral and bilateral—in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: Thirty-six children with CP (aged 5–12) were randomly assigned to a study group (n = 18) or [...] Read more.
Aim: This study explores the effects of core stabilization exercises on balance and upper extremity functions—both unilateral and bilateral—in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: Thirty-six children with CP (aged 5–12) were randomly assigned to a study group (n = 18) or control group (n = 18). Both groups received four weeks of physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The study group additionally performed ~45 min of daily core stabilization exercises. Outcome measures included the Box and Block Test (BBT), Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA), Pediatric Berg Balance Scale (PBBS), and Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS). (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06973213). Results: No significant baseline differences were found between the groups (p > 0.05). Post-intervention, the study group showed significant improvements in PBBS (p = 0.011), TCMS static sitting (p = 0.003), dynamic reaching (p = 0.037), and total score (p = 0.044). Between-group differences remained non-significant for BBT, AHA, and TCMS selective movement control (p > 0.05). Within-group analysis revealed significant gains in BBT (median = 7), PBBS (median = 8), TCMS total (median = 12), static sitting (median = 3.5), and selective movement (median = 6) (all p < 0.001). AHA showed a near-significant trend (median = 6, p = 0.051). Conclusions: Core stabilization exercises significantly enhance balance and unilateral upper extremity function in children with CP. However, they show limited impact on bimanual function. Integration of these exercises into rehabilitation programs may optimize motor outcomes. Full article
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