Effects and Mechanisms of Task-Oriented Training on Improving Motor Function in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Literature Review

Abstract

Spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) is a neurological disorder caused by abnormal brain development or brain injury, and it represents the most common type of motor disability in children. It is primarily characterized by abnormal muscle tone, impaired motor coordination, and restricted motor function, which severely compromise children's health and quality of life. In recent years, task-oriented training (TOT), a rehabilitation approach focused on specific functional goals, has demonstrated significant efficacy in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy. TOT not only improves motor function but also facilitates neuroplastic changes in the brain and spinal cord, thereby enhancing motor control and coordination. Despite growing attention to its therapeutic benefits, the underlying mechanisms through which TOT exerts its effects remain insufficiently understood. This review analyzes the patterns and causes of motor function deterioration in children with SCP and explores the therapeutic role and mechanistic basis of TOT in addressing motor impairments associated with spastic cerebral palsy.