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Stretching with children with cerebral palsy: what do we know and where are we going?
Lesley Wiart1, Johanna Darrah, Gayatri Kembhavi
1Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. lesley.wiart@ualberta.ca
Insights
Mechanisms of muscle contracture in cerebral palsy (CP) remain unclear, with inconclusive evidence on stretching effectiveness. Innovative approaches integrating flexibility and fitness into community recreation are suggested for children with CP.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Physical Therapy
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Muscle contracture is a common issue in cerebral palsy (CP).
- Current understanding of the underlying mechanisms of contracture in CP is limited.
- The effectiveness of traditional stretching interventions for CP is not definitively established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing research on the mechanisms of muscle contracture in cerebral palsy (CP).
- To evaluate the efficacy of stretching interventions in managing CP-related contractures.
- To discuss current physical therapy practices and explore alternative approaches for flexibility and fitness in CP management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific research on muscle contracture mechanisms in CP.
- Analysis of clinical studies assessing the effectiveness of physical therapy stretching.
- Exploration of community-based recreation as an alternative to traditional stretching.
Main Results:
- The precise mechanisms driving muscle contracture in children with CP are not well-understood.
- Clinical research provides inconclusive evidence regarding the benefits of stretching for CP.
- A shift towards emphasizing flexibility, fitness, and meaningful participation is emerging in CP management.
Conclusions:
- Further research is required to elucidate structural changes in shortened muscles of children with CP and the impact of physical therapy stretching.
- Physical therapists are encouraged to explore innovative strategies, such as integrating flexibility and fitness into community-based recreation programs for children with CP.
Purpose:
To review research regarding mechanisms of muscle contracture in cerebral palsy (CP) and the effectiveness of stretching, and to discuss current physical therapy stretching practices. Community-based recreation opportunities that encourage flexibility and fitness are explored as alternatives to traditional therapy stretching approaches.
Summary Of Key Points:
Mechanisms of muscle contracture in children with CP are unclear and clinical research evaluating the effects of stretching is inconclusive. Recent shifts in thinking about the management of children with CP suggest an increased emphasis on flexibility, fitness, and participation in activities that are meaningful to children and families.
Statement Of Conclusions:
Additional research is needed to explore the structural changes that occur in the shortened muscles of children with CP and the effects of stretching practices used in pediatric physical therapy.
Recommendations For Clinical Practice:
Physical therapists can consider innovative alternatives that integrate flexibility and fitness goals with community-based recreation programs.
