Improving stretching interventions for children with cerebral palsy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improving stretching interventions for children with cerebral palsy
IRAS ID
203427
Contact name
Barbara Kalkman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool John Moores University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
EUDRACT, 2016-001763-36
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Cerebral palsy (CP) has a prevalence of 1.5-3 per 1000 live births, making it the most common neurological disorder among children in Europe (Cans, Dev Med Child Neurol, 2000). One of the most frequently observed problems in CP is hypertonia, i.e. increased muscle tension, which can result in contractures (fixed shortening). Stretching therapies are widely used as a treatment for contractures, but with highly variable success (Wiart, Pediatr Phys Ther, 2008). Therefore, efforts are needed to improve the efficacy of stretching interventions. We hypothesise that increasing the stiffness of the tendon relative to the muscle, by resistance training, prior to stretching will improve the efficacy of stretching interventions in children with CP. In a RCT design we will compare a group of children receiving a combined strengthening-stretching intervention of the calf muscle to a control group receiving conventional stretching exercises in combination with upper limb exercises. Outcome measures will include muscle-tendon structure and gait analysis to assess functional improvements. This research will improve our understanding of muscle responses to stretching interventions in children with CP and can lead to more effective stretching therapies.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0301
Date of REC Opinion
23 May 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion