Comparing acute effects of stretching and whole body vibration in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Children with cerebral palsy have many clinical problems, such as muscle weakness, spasticity, and contracture. Has acute stretching or vibration benefits on muscle strength, spasticity, and contracture? The purpose of this study was to compare immediate effects on spasticity, muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion in lower leg between stretching treatment and whole body vibration in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Eleven children with spastic cerebral palsy were randomly assigned to stretching group or whole body vibration group. Results showed that stretching improved contracture and spasticity, but resulted in muscle weakness. Contracture and muscle strength were improved after vibration, without negative effects on spasticity. Vibration is a better choice than stretching to enhance strength.