Effect of Different Stretching Techniques

Gazi University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Cerebral Palsy

Treatments: Other: PNF stretching; Other: Static stretching group

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06608693

(KAEK-118/055)

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and static stretching techniques on the balance and functional capabilities of children diagnosed with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP).

Full description

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and static stretching techniques on the balance and functional capabilities of children diagnosed with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). The study consisted of a group of sixteen children, ranging in age from 8 to 16 years, who were diagnosed with bilateral hip flexor contracture and diplegic cerebral palsy. These children were classified according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I to III. The children were randomly divided into PNF and static stretching groups. Stretching techniques were applied 2 days a week for 4 weeks, with 6 repetitions in each session. The study assessed various parameters, including hip extension range of motion (ROM), muscle tone intensity based on the Modified Ashworth Scale, hip flexor shortness as determined by the Thomas Test, the time up and go (TUG) test, balance using the Pediatric Berg Balance Scale, and functional status evaluated through the Gilette Functional Walking Assessment Questionnaire.

Enrollment: 34 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 6 to 18 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• A clinical diagnosis of CP;
• Age ranging from 6 to 18 years;
• No recent administration of Botulinum Toxin to the lower extremity muscles in the last 6 months;
• An IQ score of 70 or above;
• A Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) value of 1, 2 or 3;
• Presence of hip flexion contracture;
• Willingness to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• Concomitant diagnoses aside from CP,
• Presenting with muscle tone ratings of 3 or 4 in the hip muscles according to the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS),
• Who had undergone tendon lengthening surgery to increase hip flexion

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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34 participants in 2 patient groups

PNF stretching group

Experimental group

Description:

PNF and static stretching methods were applied 2 days a week and 6 repetitions in each session for 4 weeks to the hip flexors. In addition to stretching, both of the groups received a routine treatment program consisting of gluteus maximus and quadriceps strengthening, balance, and walking exercises.

Treatment:

Other: PNF stretching

Static stretching group

Experimental group

Description:

PNF and static stretching methods were applied 2 days a week and 6 repetitions in each session for 4 weeks to the hip flexors. In addition to stretching, both of the groups received a routine treatment program consisting of gluteus maximus and quadriceps strengthening, balance, and walking exercises.

Treatment:

Other: Static stretching group