Abstract
BackgroundIn children with cerebral palsy (CP), stiffness, caused by contractile and non-contractile structures, can influence motor performance. This study sought to determine whether the nerve mobility had a relevant impact on motor performance in children with CP. We hypothesized that a positive Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test, as well as smaller SLR hip angle, would relate to lower leg muscle strength, reduced motor capacity and less motor performance in children with CP.MethodsWe applied a cross-sectional analysis on data including SLR, leg muscle strength, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) and number of activity counts during daily life from thirty children with CP (6–18 years). We performed receiver operating characteristics and correlation analyses.ResultsPositive SLR test could distinguish well between children with low versus high muscle strength and GMFM-66 scores. The SLR hip angle correlated significant with the level of disability and with muscle strength. The correlation with the GMFM-66 and the activity counts was fair.ConclusionThis study suggests that neural restriction of SLR is higher on functional and activity outcome than the measured SLR hip range of motion. Further studies should investigate weather improving nerve mobility can lead to an amelioration of function in children with CP.
Highlights
In children with cerebral palsy (CP), stiffness, caused by contractile and non-contractile structures, can influence motor performance
Based on the promising results by applying neurodynamic techniques in adult patients, we suggest that the neural structures could be an additional factor influencing movement
The authors did not include sensitizing manoeuvres to observe if the neural structures were the source of restricting the movement of the Straight Leg Raise (SLR) hip range of motion
Summary
In children with cerebral palsy (CP), stiffness, caused by contractile and non-contractile structures, can influence motor performance. While the sarcomeres (i.e. a contractile component) of the individuals with CP were increased in length, and in contrary, an accumulation of collagen (i.e. non-contractile component) indicated stiffness in the hamstring muscles [13]. Still, it is not quite clear in which impairments, such as muscle weakness, stiffness or joint deformities influence the restriction in children with CP [14]. The authors did not include sensitizing manoeuvres to observe if the neural structures were the source of restricting the movement of the SLR hip range of motion
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
