Mapping the Current Research on Mindfulness Interventions for Individuals with Cerebral Palsy: A Scoping Review

Background Cerebral palsy (CP) is a chronic neurological disorder that can cause motor and cognitive disabilities. Mindfulness is a form of meditation that has gained attention as a potential therapeutic intervention for improving the health and well-being of patients with CP. Methods Four databases were searched until January 2023. A scoping review was conducted to explore the role of mindfulness in the management of CP by reviewing the available scientific literature. Studies that examined the effects of mindfulness on motor function, communication, and quality of life in patients with CP were analysed. Grey literature and reference lists of included articles were not identified. The results were presented in numerical and thematic form. Results From an initial pool of 30 registered studies, only 3 met the inclusion criteria. These selected studies reported positive effects of mindfulness interventions on communication abilities and stress management in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). Conclusions The available evidence suggests that mindfulness may have beneficial effects on motor function, communication, and quality of life in patients with CP. The findings of this review highlight the potential of mindfulness as a complementary therapy for improving the health and well-being of patients with CP.