Effects of High-Velocity Passive Stretch on Spasticity, Function, and Muscle Structure in Spastic CP Children

Launched by TC ERCIYES UNIVERSITY · Jun 3, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

Cerebral palsy (CP) is characterized as a neurodevelopmental disorder resulting in enduring deficits in mobility and posture owing to non-progressive injury to the infant or developing brain. CP is the predominant etiology of physical impairment observed in children. Research indicates a global prevalence of 1.6 per 1,000 live births in developing nations and 3.4 per 1,000 in low- and middle-income countries. Ninety percent of all CP patients demonstrate spasticity as a symptom. Spasticity is characterized by a speed-dependent augmentation of excessive stretch reflexes, stemming from the hy...

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Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Children aged 2 to 8 years diagnosed with cerebral palsy of the hemiplegic or diplegic type according to the Rosenbaum criteria
• • Presence of spasticity in the ankle plantar flexors with a Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score of 1, 1+, 2, or 3, and a clinical indication for BoNT-A injection into the gastrocnemius or gastrocnemius/soleus muscles at this stage of treatment
• • Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels of 1, 2, or 3 (ambulatory)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Having a neuromuscular disorder other than cerebral palsy
• • Presence of a fixed foot deformity
• • Receiving serial casting or spasticity treatments (e.g., baclofen or BoNT-A) within the past 6 months
• • History of surgery
• • Having intellectual or behavioral difficulties, or comorbid conditions (such as cardiac, respiratory disorders or uncontrolled seizures) that prevent safe participation in exercise