Effects of Myofascial Release Technique on Upper Limb Functions in Cerebral Palsy

Summary

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor impairments, including spasticity, muscle tightness, and limited range of motion in the limbs. Myofascial Release Technique (MRT) has shown promise as a non-invasive intervention for addressing musculoskeletal dysfunctions and improving range of motion in various populations.

The study will employ a randomized controlled trial design to investigate the effects of myofascial release technique (MRT) with and without a segmental vibrator on upper limb functions in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). The study will be conducted at PSRD and Rising Sun Institute Lahore. A sample of children aged 6-12 years with a diagnosis of spastic CP will be recruited and randomly assigned to two groups: MRT with a segmental vibrator, and MRT without a segmental vibrator. The MRT interventions will be provided by trained therapists for a specified duration and frequency over a period of 4 weeks. Spasticity will be measured by the Modified Ashwarth Scale, Upper limb extremity function via Pediatric Upper Extremity Motor Activity Log-Revised (PMAL), and range of motion will be assessed by Goniometer. Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical tests to determine the effects of the interventions on upper limb functions in children with spastic CP. Ethical considerations will be followed, and informed consent will be obtained from the participant's parents or legal guardians.

Conditions

• Cerebral Palsy

Interventions

OTHER

Myofascial Release Technique

The treatment will be applied by the therapist standing at the side of the patient with different levels according to subject's tolerance for duration of 3 minutes in each sitting. Level one will be performed by longitudinal movements without causing any tension to the tissues. The level two will be performed by longitudinal movements with light pressure to the tensed muscle. The level three will be performed by compressing the treatment area then passively fullest possible range of motion will be performed and then longitudinal movement will be done with same compression. In level four, the patient will actively move the tissue through the fullest possible range of motion. The taut band will palpate and then firm pressure will be maintained and then longitudinal movements will be performed. Treatment will be applied for two intervention sessions per week and a total of 12 sessions over 6 weeks.

OTHER

Myofascial Release Technique along with segmental vibrator

this group will receive vibratory stimulations through segmental vibrator along the muscle fibers of upper limb flexors, extensors, and wrist flexors for 10-minutes each session with low amplitude (0.3-0.5 mm peak to peak) at fixed frequency of 150 Hz(23). Along with segmental vibrator group B will also receive myofascial release technique through the same method to the upper limb flexors, extensors, and wrist flexors. Group B will receive both treatments for two intervention sessions per week and a total of 12 sessions over 6 weeks.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Maryam Mangrio, MS* · Riphah International University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

6 Years

Max Age

12 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-12-01

Primary Completion

2024-01-15

Completion

2024-01-29

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations