Major Points:

• The report is a meta-analysis that aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of stem cell therapy (SCT) for cerebral palsy (CP).
• A total of 798 articles were initially retrieved from multiple databases, but only 9 studies were finally included in the meta-analysis.
• The studies included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and were conducted in various countries, including Iran, America, China, and South Korea.
• The primary outcome measure was the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), and secondary indicators included Comprehensive Function Assessment (CFA), Gross Motor Performance Measure (GMPM), and others.

Findings:

• GMFM Scores: The GMFM score of the stem cell group was significantly higher than the control group (SMD: 0.63; 95% CI [0.22, 1.03]; p = 0.002). A higher GMFM score indicates lighter symptoms of CP.
• CFA Scores: Stem cells greatly improved performance compared to controls on the CFA (WMD: 14.17; 95% CI: 11.52, 16.81; p < 0.00001).
• GMPM Scores: SCT significantly improved GMPM scores (WMD = 5.74, 95% CI = 3.89–7.59, p = 0.67) compared to the control group.
• WeeFIM Scores: The WeeFIM score of the stem cell group was significantly higher than the control group (WMD: 0.88; 95% CI [0.19, 1.57]; p = 0.01).
• BSID-Ⅱ Scores: No significant difference was found in either mental or motor scale scores between the stem cell treatment group and the control group.