Training to enhance walking in children with cerebral palsy: are we missing the window of opportunity?

The objective of this paper is to (1) identify from the literature a potential critical period for the maturation of the corticospinal tract (CST) and (2) report pilot data on an intensive, activity-based therapy applied during this period, in children with lesions to the CST. The best estimate of the CST critical period for the legs is when the child is younger than 2 years of age. Previous interventions for walking in children with CST damage were mainly applied after this age.