Static Stretch on Calf Muscle Spasticity in Cerebral Palsy Children

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) encompasses a group of developmental disorders affecting movement and posture, leading to activity limitations. These conditions stem from non-progressive disturbances in the brain that occur during fetal or infant development. Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common, affecting about 70% to 80% of children with the condition. Functional and clinical assessments were performed pre- and post-intervention using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) to evaluate calf muscle spasticity and goniometry to measure the Range of Motion (ROM) for passive ankle dorsiflexion. Structured questionnaires used to assess socioeconomic and functional status. The intervention consisted of static muscle stretching for the calf muscles to reduce spasticity and increase ankle range of motion. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. All ethical considerations were maintained.      The study involved 26 participants, primarily characterized by quadriplegic cerebral palsy (CP) (66%, n = 17) and high levels of motor disability, with 53.8% (n=14) classified at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Level 5. Clinical evaluations focusing on spasticity using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) showed no statistically significant reduction following the intervention; instead, mean scores increased from 2.0 to 2.5 on the right side (p = 0.916) and from 1.9 to 2.3 on the left side (p = 0.437). The treatment produced significant improvements in joint flexibility. Paired sample t-tests for passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) revealed a statistically significant increase on both the right side (12° to 15°; p = 0.001) and the left side (12° to 15°; p = 0.004).  Despite no positive change in calf muscle spasticity, the intervention significantly improved ankle dorsiflexion ROM. This helps high-dependency patients reach the mobility levels needed for functional gait.