Dear Colleagues,

In the last several years, progress in the fields of neurophysiology, neuroimaging and human molecular genetics have provided insight into the pathogenetic mechanisms of several neuromotor diseases and their secondary disfunctions. Nonetheless, the evidence supporting rehabilitative interventions for children with motor disabilities is lacking. As Peter Rosenbaum (DMCN 2020, doi: 10.1111/dmcn.146732020) evidenced, the traditional framework applied to clinical research in child rehabilitation presents several limitations. Firstly, it often addresses biomedical impairments, which underly the disability, but may not fit the most relevant goal for the patients. Furthermore, evidence-based medicine values randomized controlled trials, which are based on one primary, independent outcome. Conversely, rehabilitation usually includes multifaceted programs, and several interdependent outcomes. Finally, restricted samples, based on the need to select a homogeneous population, and limited follow-up time, to reduce confounders related to growth and spontaneous development, are other limitations when considering rare diseases and developmental ages. In such instances, mixed-methods research designs might be more appropriate, as these enable the assessment of many dimensions of the outcomes of interest. From this perspective, non-randomized controlled studies are relevant to increase and share the knowledge on this topic.

The aim of this Special Issue is to collect the most recent evidence on assessments and rehabilitative interventions for neuromotor disabilities in children. The manuscripts may include submissions of any format (e.g., original article, case report, review or systematic review) that may contribute to this goal. This includes, but is not limited to, manuscripts on cerebral palsy, neuromuscular diseases, ataxic or dyskinetic disorders, and congenital abnormalities. Equally important will be the inclusion of reports or protocols about correlating clinical features and defining functional profiles, which may help in developing targeted approaches in the future.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Adriano Ferrari
Dr. Silvia Faccioli
Guest Editors

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• rehabilitation
• cerebral palsy
• neuromuscular diseases
• neurodevelopmental disorders
• congenital, hereditary, and neonatal diseases and abnormalities
• movement disorders
• disabled persons
• neuromuscular manifestations
• assistive devices
• orthotic devices