Physical therapy in cerebral palsy aims to improve which of the following domains?

• A. To cure CP
• B. To diagnose CP
• C. To improve strength, power, range of motion, motor control, and overall quality of life
• D. To manage spasticity only

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that physical therapy for cerebral palsy aims to maximize function and participation by addressing multiple motor domains that limit daily life. CP is a nonprogressive brain injury that leads to weaknesses, altered tone, limited range of motion, and impaired motor control, and physical therapy targets these areas through strengthening, flexibility work, motor coordination practice, and task-specific training to improve movement efficiency. This broader approach explains why the best answer includes improvements in strength, power, range of motion, motor control, and overall quality of life—these collectively support better functional performance and participation. It’s not about curing CP or diagnosing it, and while managing spasticity can be part of therapy, limiting focus to spasticity would miss the broader goals of function and participation that PT seeks.