Cerebral Palsy Italian Network (ITA-NET-CP): a multidimensional assessment protocol and baseline results of a prospective study
International contributions to the study of children with cerebral palsy (CP) highlight the complexity of the disorder and its impact on various adaptive functions during development. Today, however, there is still little knowledge of the developmental trajectories of these functions and their interaction; moreover, the available studies often concern only neuromotor skills, specific ages, or specific forms of CP. The primary aim of this study was to develop a shared evaluation protocol to assess a comprehensive range of adaptive functions in a sample of Italian children with CP. In addition, we aimed to define the role of the examined adaptive functions in order to assess their evolution over time and their interaction. This multicenter prospective observational study (Italian Network of Cerebral Palsy - ITA-NET-CP) evaluated different adaptive functions at three time points (baseline, first follow-up after 12 months, and second follow-up after 24 months) using a multidimensional protocol. Children were classified according to international functional classification systems and underwent assessments covering gross motor, manipulative-praxic, visual, communicative, cognitive, emotional-behavioral functions, as well as their impact on autonomy and quality of life. Data reported in this paper are related only to the baseline assessment. A total of 143 patients were enrolled, representing all levels of severity according to functional classification systems. At baseline, our sample revealed distinct cognitive profiles across different age groups. Strong associations emerged between manipulative-praxic function and cognitive abilities. Behavioral difficulties, particularly internalizing problems, were prevalent even among those with milder forms of CP. Functional severity had a significant impact on autonomy, but not necessarily on gross motor, manipulative-praxic, communicative, and visual abilities. ITA-NET-CP is the first nationwide study in Italy to assess the adaptive functions in children with CP. Its findings will help inform integrated, family-centered care approaches and support the ongoing development of a national CP registry.
Authors
- Nerina Landi
- Riccardo Masson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9311-452X)
- Maria Carmela Oliva (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2854-5638)
- S. Signorini
- Simona Orcesi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8947-9342)
- Alessia Marchi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6860-5805)
- Riccardo Pascuzzo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6555-1784)
- Francesca Gallino
- Francesca Sini
- Claudia Dosi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7591-9124)
- Teresa Vespino (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6713-8157)
- Elisa Musto (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3298-2390)
- Michela Martielli
- Lorella Tornetta
- Angela Cavalagli
- Claudia Gandioli
- Francesca Nuccini
- Camilla Fontana (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8217-7824)
- Stefano Parravicini (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1509-345X)
- Clara Colonna
- Arianna Michelutti (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8959-7154)
- Emanuela Pagliano (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5933-5636)
- Silvia Faccioli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0170-3766)
- Verusca Gasparroni (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6130-0435)
- Camilla Caporali (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3946-7041)
- Laura Beccani (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5352-978X)
- Stefania Maria Bova (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4092-7412)
- Luisa Roberti
- M. Cozzaglio
- Andrea Frigerio
- Maria Foscan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8638-461X)
- Sofia Biagi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4361-942X)
- Antonella Luparia (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8164-7388)
- Alessandra Favetto
- Maria Teresa Arnoldi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3920-5869)
- Anna Rosa Cavallini (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7727-4040)
- Odoardo Picciolini (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0420-0048)
- Elisa M. Fazzi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4805-7906)
- Matteo Porro (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9160-9986)
- Sofia Gandolfi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2118-1085)
- Riccardo Zanin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6200-3632)
- Riccardo PIOVESAN
- Shari Gandelli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6936-623X)
- Marta Viganò (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5815-2467)
- Giulia Anelli
- Ilaria Pedrinelli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5217-2726)
- M. Lanza
- E. Bianchi
- Federica Puddu
- Jordan Michael Morey Grinan
- A. Trabacca
- C. Marinaccio
- F. Raviglione
- S. Mazzanti
- T. Casalino
- Anna Alessandrini
- Giuseppina Sgandurra
- G. Ferrara
- S. Schierano
- D. M. Romeo
- I. Olivieri
- Maria Cristina La Rocca
- I. Tramacere
- G. Giuliacci
- A. Salghetti
- A. Rossi
- M. G. Redaelli
- S. Orivoli
- L. Obino
- ITA-NET CP Network
- G. Auricchio
Institutions
- University of Parma (IT)
- University of Udine (IT)
- University of Milan (IT)
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research (IT)
- Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic (IT)
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico (IT)
- Azienda Unita' Sanitaria Locale Di Modena (IT)
- Azienda Sanitaria Unità Locale di Reggio Emilia (IT)
- Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Nazionale Casimiro Mondino (IT)
- Santa Maria Nuova Hospital (IT)
- Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale degli Spedali Civili di Brescia (IT)
- Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation (IT)
- Azienda USL della Valle d’Aosta (IT)
- Ospedale Regina Margherita (IT)
- Azienda Usl Toscana Centro (IT)
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta (IT)
- Azienda sanitaria universitaria Friuli Centrale (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- The Italian Journal of Pediatrics/Italian journal of pediatrics
- Published
- 2026-10-30
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s13052-026-02377-5
- Primary Topic
- Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Ministero della Salute
- Fondazione Pierfranco e Luisa Mariani