Deep Friction Massage in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Static Stretching and Deep Friction Massage Applied to Plantar Flexors in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy

The aim of this clinical trial is to determine whether deep friction massage and stretching reduce muscle contraction in the calf muscle. The primary questions it seeks to answer are:

• Does deep friction massage or stretching reduce muscle contraction?
• Does deep friction massage or stretching improve walking?
• Does deep friction massage or stretching increase ankle joint range of motion?

Participants:

Participants will undergo either deep friction massage or stretching exercises for 10 minutes, three days a week, over a period of six weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• a diagnosis of spastic diplegic or hemiparetic CP
• aged between 3 and 18 years
• classified as level I, II, or III according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS)
• possessing sufficient cognitive function to cooperate.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections to the lower extremity muscles within the last six months
• undergoing any surgery such as muscle lengthening or joint contracture within the last six months
• non-participation in two consecutive exercise sessions
• experiencing illnesses such as infections or musculoskeletal injuries during the study period.