Physical activity and exercise rehabilitation in pediatric cerebral palsy: A cross-sectional study among physiotherapists in Kosovo and Albania

Authors

  • Arben Boshnjaku Faculty of Medicine, University “Fehmi Agani” in Gjakova, Kosovo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4343-9366
  • Dafinë Ibrahimi Kaçuri Faculty of Medicine, University “Fehmi Agani” in Gjakova, Kosovo
  • Emanuela Prendi Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel”, Tirana, Albania
  • Haxhi Kamberi Faculty of Medicine, University “Fehmi Agani” in Gjakova, Kosovo
  • Flaka Hoti Faculty of Medicine, University “Fehmi Agani” in Gjakova, Kosovo
  • Zana Gergi Faculty of Medicine, University “Fehmi Agani” in Gjakova, Kosovo
  • Ermira Krasniqi Faculty of Pharmacy, Alma Mater Europaea Campus College Rezonanca, Prishtina, Kosovo
  • Enkeleda Gjini Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University “Our Lady of Good, Tirana, Albania
  • Malvina Hoxha Department of Chemical-Toxicological and Pharmacological Evaluation of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel”, Tirana, Albania
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.711571
Keywords: Cerebral Palsy, Physical Activity, Physiotherapy, Pediatric Rehabilitation, Workforce Development

Abstract

To improve physical functional capacity in people with cerebral palsy (CP), the rehabilitation workforce must be proficient in exercise physiology and load management, ensuring that interventions are both evidence-based and participation-focused. Currently, empirical data on the clinical preparedness and practice patterns remain scarce in the Southeast European region. To address this issue, this cross-sectional survey examined professional training, clinical experience, and use of standardized physical activity assessments among 202 licensed physiotherapists in Kosovo and Albania (113 females, 55.9%; 89 males, 44.1%; mean age 29.7±7.0 years). The study utilized a structured questionnaire specifically designed to reflect local cultural and professional contexts. Results showed limited participation in specialized neurodevelopmental training and inconsistent use of validated assessment frameworks in both Kosovo (74.0%) and Albania (76.5%), with no biological sex differences. Recognition of ≥ 3 early clinical signs was significantly higher in Kosovo compared to Albania (80.0% vs. 64.7%, p=0.007). The use of early diagnostic tools was reported more frequently in Albania than in Kosovo (49.0% vs. 33.0%, p=0.021), with a significant sex difference observed only in Albania (p=0.005, φ=0.277; moderate effect), where females reported greater use. To improve health trajectories, future initiatives must focus on competency in loan management and motor learning. Implementing participation-focused exercise through interdisciplinary collaboration represents a vital strategy for evolving CP rehabilitation into proactive, physical activity centered model.

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Published
28-05-2026
How to Cite
Boshnjaku, A., Ibrahimi Kaçuri, D., Prendi, E., Kamberi, H., Hoti, F., Gergi, Z., … Hoxha, M. (2026). Physical activity and exercise rehabilitation in pediatric cerebral palsy: A cross-sectional study among physiotherapists in Kosovo and Albania. SPORT TK-EuroAmerican Journal of Sport Sciences, 15, 48. https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.711571
Issue
Vol. 15 (2026)
Section
Articles

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The works and papers that are published in this Journal are subject to the following terms:

1. The Publication Service of the University of Murcia (the publisher) has the Publication Rights (Copyright) to the published papers and works, and favors and permits the reusing of the same under the license indicated in point 2.

© Servicio de Publicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, 2013

2. The papers and works are to be published in the digital edition of the Journal under the license Creative Commons Reconocimiento-No Comercial-Sin Obra Derivada 3.0 España (legal text). The copying, using, spreading, transmitting and publicly displaying of the papers, works or publication are permitted as long as: i) the authors and original sources (Journal, publisher and URL of the publication) are quoted; ii) it is not used for commercial benefit; iii) the existence and specifications of this users license are mentioned.

3. Conditions of Self-Archiving. It is permitted and encouraged that the authors spread electronically the pre-print (before printing) and/or post-print (the revised, evaluated and accepted) versions of their papers or works before their publication since this favors their circulation and early diffusion and therefore can help increase their citation and quotation, and also there reach through the academic community.