Instantaneous effect of prolonged stretch on monosynaptic excitability in hemiplegic cerebral palsied children: Repeated measures design

Document Type : Original research papers

Abstract

Background: Spastic CP is the most common motor impairment type of all cases of CP. This study aimed to evaluate changes of motor neuron excitability and to clarify the instantaneous effect resulting from consequent repetitive sessions of passive stretching applied to the planter flexor muscles of spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsied children. Methodology: Twenty children of spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsied aged from 4 to 6 years participated in this study as a one group. They were subjected to measure the ratio of Huffman reflex to myotatic reflex (H/M ratio) using computerized electromyographic (EMG) apparatus. It was measured from triceps soleus muscle. It was done before and after applying stretching using Knee-ankle foot orthoses. The after stretching measurements done after 30 min, one hour of stretching, and two hour of stretching. Results: The results revealed a significant reduction in H/M ratios. The results also showed a significant increasing in this reduction by increasing the time of stretching. Conclusion: From the obtained results it can be concluded that the prolonged stretch had an instantaneous reductive effect on motor neuron excitability and this effect increased by increasing the time of stretch.

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