Effects of Thai Massage on Spasticity in Young People with Cerebral Palsy.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the effects of Thai massage on muscle spasticity in young people with cerebral palsy.

MATERIAL AND METHOD:

Young people with spastic diplegia, aged 6-18 years old, were recruitedfrom the Srisungwan School in Khon Kaen Province. Spasticity of right quadriceps femoris muscles was measured using Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) at pre- and immediately post 30-minute session of Thai massage. Thai massage was applied on the lower back and lower limbs. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was used to compare the outcome between pre- and post treatment.

RESULTS:

Seventeen participants with spastic diplegia aged 13.71 +/- 3.62 years old participated. A significant difference of MAS was observed between pre- and post treatment (1+, 1; p<0.01). No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION:

Thai massage decreased muscle spasticity and is suggested to be an alternative treatmentfor reducing spasticity in young people with cerebral palsy.

• Authors: Pisamai Malila, Kantarakorn Seeda, Savet Machom, Wichai Eungpinithpong
• Journal: Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet thangphaet (J Med Assoc Thai) Vol. 98 Suppl 5 Pg. S92-6 (Jun 2015) ISSN: 0125-2208 [Print] Thailand
• PMID: 26387418 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Cerebral Palsy (physiopathology, therapy)
• Child
• Female
• Humans
• Lower Extremity
• Male
• Massage (methods)
• Muscle Spasticity (etiology, therapy)
• Prospective Studies
• Quadriceps Muscle (physiopathology)
• Thailand