Maturation of the Locomotor Circuitry in Children With Cerebral Palsy

The first years of life represent an important phase of maturation of the central
nervous system, processing of sensory information, posture control and acquisition
of the locomotor function. Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common group of motor
disorders in childhood attributed to disturbances in the fetal or infant brain, frequently
resulting in impaired gait. Here we will consider various findings about functional
maturation of the locomotor output in early infancy, and how much the dysfunction
of gait in children with CP can be related to spinal neuronal networks vs. supraspinal
dysfunction. A better knowledge about pattern generation circuitries in infancy may
improve our understanding of developmental motor disorders, highlighting the necessity
for regulating the functional properties of abnormally developed neuronal locomotor
networks as a target for early sensorimotor rehabilitation. Various clinical approaches
and advances in biotechnology are also considered that might promote acquisition of
the locomotor function in infants at risk for locomotor delays.