Effects of Thai Massage on Spasticity in Young people with Cerebral Palsy
Malila, P.; Seeda, K.; Machom, S.; Eungpinithpong, W.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 98(Suppl 5): S92-S96
2015
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 26387418 Document Number: 16486
To determine the effects of Thai massage on muscle spasticity in young people with cerebral palsy. 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. 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. Thai massage decreased muscle spasticity and is suggested to be an alternative treatmentfor reducing spasticity in young people with cerebral palsy.