The Therapeutic Effects of Low-Amplitude, High-Frequency Perturbations on Neuromuscular Abnormalities Associated with Spasticity in Children with Cerebral Palsy

We aimed to investigate the impact of ankle joint therapy with low-amplitude, high-frequency perturbation training on neuromuscular abnormalities associated with spasticity in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Four spastic CP children (2 males and 2 females) received a 10-session training of high-frequency and low-amplitude perturbations superimposed on passive stretches over the range of motion of their ankle as well as local perturbations at dorsiflexion position. The associated passive parameters, including total passive range of motions, passive range of motions toward dorsiflexion, stiffness, energy loss and torque dynamic gain were evaluated at the baseline and after a 10 session training. Our findings indicate that passive range of motion increased, and passive reflex stiffness, which usually increases in CP children, decreased following the completion of training. Our results demonstrate that intensive sessions of perturbation therapy could be considered an effective therapeutic mean for the management of spasticity and contracture, and eventually the enhancement of mobility of CP children.