What is the impact of manual stretching on range of motion in CP?

What is the impact of manual stretching on range of motion in CP?

• A. Significant Long-Term ROM Improvements
• B. Limited Evidence for Improvement, but Can Be Used to Warm Up for Other Activities
• C. No Effect on ROM
• D. Always Contraindicated

Answer: (B)

When evaluating manual stretching for cerebral palsy, the evidence shows that gains in range of motion are not reliably long-lasting. There is limited or inconsistent improvement in passive ROM with stretching alone. However, stretching can be useful as a preparatory step before activity or therapy—warming the muscles, reducing stiffness, and helping tolerate movements during subsequent tasks. It’s not a stand-alone solution for creating durable ROM changes, but it can play a supportive role within a broader plan that also includes strengthening, activity-based practice, and management of spasticity.

When evaluating manual stretching for cerebral palsy, the evidence shows that gains in range of motion are not reliably long-lasting. There is limited or inconsistent improvement in passive ROM with stretching alone. However, stretching can be useful as a preparatory step before activity or therapy—warming the muscles, reducing stiffness, and helping tolerate movements during subsequent tasks. It’s not a stand-alone solution for creating durable ROM changes, but it can play a supportive role within a broader plan that also includes strengthening, activity-based practice, and management of spasticity.