Effect of cryotherapy on voluntary control of lower extremities in diplegic cerebral palsied children

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of cryotherapy on changing the excitability of motor neuron pool of the calf muscles and facilitation of active ankle excursion in diplegic cerebral palsied children. The study included eighteen patients from both sexes, with age ranged from four to six years. They were selected on a basic criteria to confirm the grade of spasticity and absence of structural deformities. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. H/M response of the soleus and active ankle excursion were measured pre and post the suggested period of treatment. The experimental group received a suggested program of ice application on the calf muscles followed by traditional treatment. while the control group received only a traditional program of remedial exercises. Treatment was conducted for tweleve weeks. Results collected at the end of treatment from the experimental group, revealed a valuable reduction in mean values of H/M response of the calf muscles which was concomitant with a significant increase of active ankle excursion. These results were statistically highly significant in relation to the results collected from the control group which can be attributed to the effect of ice application on inhibition of spasticity with consequent improvement of muscular tension of the antagonistic muscles. The benefits afforded from this study indicate that application of ice in cases of spasticity can reduce the excitability of motoneuron pool of the spastic muscles which is concomitant with improvement in range of motion