HABILITATING THE DEVELOPING BRAIN: A NARRATIVE REVIEW ON THE ROLE OF EARLY PHYSIOTHERAPY IN CEREBRAL PALSY AMONG INFANTS AGED 0–12 MONTHS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48047/w4809150Keywords:
Cerebral palsy, Early physiotherapy, Infant rehabilitation, Neurodevelopment, Gross motor function, Intervention models, Parent coachingAbstract
The most prevalent form of physical disability in children is cerebral palsy, which frequently coexists with prematurity or abnormal brain impairment in infants. Since the essential neuroplastic window extends throughout infancy, early physiotherapy can bring significant value to the motor and functional development. This review summarizes the data on the effects of physiotherapeutic interventions that are implemented in the first years of life in infants diagnosed with or at risk of CP. It studies the models, mechanisms of delivery, and outcomes, as well as effectiveness. A Structured narrative review was performed in which 396 articles were identified in databases with the help of Boolean operators. Following the application of the inclusion/exclusion criteria and constraints after screening, 20 studies were selected. The analysis and summary of interventions were done in terms of timing, modality, parent involvement, and motor outcomes. Studies demonstrated early physiotherapy’s role in enhancing gross motor function, postural control, and movement quality in infants with or at risk for cerebral palsy. Therapist-led interventions emphasized neurodevelopmental principles, alignment strategies, and enriched sensorimotor play. While parent-mediated models supported continuity, the physiotherapist’s role in goal setting and clinical calibration remained central. Starting physiotherapy during the first year of life has significant developmental benefits for infants who are at risk of CP. The facts advocated a change towards motor training integrated with environmental-enriched and cognitive stimulation, which are structured, family-based.
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