EFFECT OF STATIC STRETCHING AND MYOFASCIAL RELEASE THERAPY ON MUSCLE SPASTICITY AND RANGE OF MOTION IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY: RANDOMISED CLINICAL TRIAL

Abstract

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) encompasses a group of permanent movement and posture disorders caused by early brain damage. It is commonly associated with muscle spasticity, impaired range of motion (ROM), and reduced mobility. While various pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments exist, the evidence regarding the effectiveness of myofascial release (MFR) alone or in combination with static stretching (SS) in reducing muscle spasticity and improving ROM in children with CP remains limited.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of static stretching and myofascial release therapy on reducing muscle spasticity and improving the range of motion in children with cerebral palsy.

Methods: This randomized clinical trial included 30 children with CP, divided equally into three groups: the static stretching group (SS), the myofascial release group (MFR), and the combined therapy group. The SS group underwent 20 repetitions of 30-second stretches, while the MFR group received 7 minutes of foam rolling therapy, both performed 5 days per week for 24 weeks. The combined therapy group received 12 repetitions of 30-second stretches and 5 minutes of MFR at a cadence of three to four rolls per minute, 5 days per week for 24 weeks. Outcomes included ankle dorsiflexion ROM, assessed with a goniometer, and spasticity, evaluated with the Modified Ashworth Scale, measured at baseline and after 24 weeks.

Results: The combined therapy group achieved significant improvements in ankle dorsiflexion ROM (83%) and a 61% reduction in spasticity compared to the SS group (ROM: 61%; spasticity: 35%) and the MFR group (ROM: 75%; spasticity: 37%) (p<0.05). The MFR group demonstrated superior outcomes over static stretching in isolation.

Conclusion: The combination of static stretching and myofascial release therapy is an effective treatment approach for reducing muscle spasticity and improving the range of motion in children with cerebral palsy.