PHYSICAL EXERCISE-BASED INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE MOTOR FUNCTION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY: EVIDENCE AND CLINICAL PERSPECTIVES

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25110/arqsaude.v30i3.2026-12626

Keywords:

Cerebral palsy, Motor function, Narrative review, Physical exercise, Rehabilitation

Abstract

This narrative review aimed to critically analyze recent literature on physical exercise-based interventions applied to individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), with a focus on motor function improvement and clinical applications. Based on studies published between 2015 and 2025, consistent evidence was found indicating that structured physical exercise significantly improves muscle strength, balance, motor control, gait, and quality of life in both children and adults with CP. Interventions such as strength training, virtual reality, core stability programs, and aerobic exercises showed positive effects on functional outcomes. However, the findings also revealed methodological limitations in part of the literature and highlighted the need for greater inclusion of adults with CP and for promoting long-term care strategies. It is concluded that physical exercise should be recognized as a fundamental therapeutic right. Future research should focus on strengthening methodological rigor and ensuring population diversity in study samples.

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Author Biographies

José Irineu Gorla, Universidade Norte do Paraná

Lecturer in Physical Activity, Adaptation and Health – UNICAMP; PhD in Physical Activity, Adaptation and Health – UNICAMP; Postdoctoral Fellow at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, UNICAMP; adjunct lecturer and supervisor of Master’s and PhD students in the Postgraduate Programme at FEF, UNICAMP; and accredited lecturer on the Master’s and PhD programmes in Physical Exercise for Health Promotion at the University of Northern Paraná (UNOPAR); Director of the Centre for Neurodevelopment and Performance Intelligence (CINP)/UNIPAR.

Elaine Morais de Jesus, Faculdade Anhanguera

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Specialist in Neuropsychology. Professor in the Psychology program at Faculdade Anhanguera de Itaquera, São Paulo. Master’s student in the Physical Exercise for Health Promotion program at UNOPAR.

Karina Santos Guedes de Sá, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)

State University of Campinas, Department of Adapted Physical Activity Studies, School of Physical Education, Ph.D. student in the Graduate Program, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.

Ivaldo Brandão Vieira, LOGOS University College

Ph.D. in Health Sciences: San António Catholic University – Murcia – Spain. Visiting professor in the Master’s and Ph.D. programs in Human Kinesiology at LOGOS University International – UNILOGOS – Florida – USA.

References

ELSHAFEY, M. A.; ABDRABO, M. S.; ELNAGGAR, R. K. Effects of a core stability exercise program on balance and coordination in children with cerebellar ataxic cerebral palsy. J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact, v. 22, n. 1, p. 172, 2022.

JACKMAN, M. et al. Interventions to improve physical function for children and young people with cerebral palsy: international clinical practice guideline. Dev Med Child Neurol, v. 63, n. 5, p. 536-551, 2021.

JANUSZYK, D. et al. Effect of motor interventions on motor outcomes for adults with cerebral palsy: a systematic review. Dev Neurorehabil, v. 26, n. 6-7, p. 389-412, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17518423.2023.2259978

MERINO-ANDRÉS, J. et al. Effect of muscle strength training in children and adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rehabil, v. 36, n. 1, p. 4-14, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/02692155211040199

NITZ, A. C. R. et al. The methodological quality of studies on physical exercise in adolescents with cerebral palsy: a scoping review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Healthcare, v. 12, n. 20, p. 2039, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12202039

SELPH, S. et al. Physical Activity and the Health of Wheelchair Users: A Systematic Review in Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, and Spinal Cord Injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil, v. 102, n. 12, p. 2426-2443, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2021.10.002

VELASCO AGUADO, J. et al. Physical exercise interventions using virtual reality in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: systematic review. Healthcare, v. 13, n. 2, p. 189, 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13020189

VERSCHUREN, O. et al. Exercise and physical activity recommendations for people with cerebral palsy. Dev Med Child Neurol, v. 58, n. 8, p. 798-808, 2016. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.13053

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO). Guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Geneva: WHO, 2020.

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Published

2026-06-22

How to Cite

GORLA, José Irineu; DE JESUS, Elaine Morais; DE SÁ, Karina Santos Guedes; VIEIRA, Ivaldo Brandão. PHYSICAL EXERCISE-BASED INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE MOTOR FUNCTION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY: EVIDENCE AND CLINICAL PERSPECTIVES. Arquivos de Ciências da Saúde da UNIPAR, [S. l.], v. 30, n. 3, p. 1215–1225, 2026. DOI: 10.25110/arqsaude.v30i3.2026-12626. Disponível em: https://revistas.unipar.br/index.php/saude/article/view/12626. Acesso em: 23 jun. 2026.

Issue

Vol. 30 No. 3 (2026)

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Artigos

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