Effects of Thai Massage on Spasticity in Young People with Cerebral Palsy
Pisamai Malila MSc*,**, Kantarakorn Seeda BSc*, Savet Machom BSc*, Nutthakan Salangsing BSc*, Wichai Eungpinithpong PhD*,**
Affiliation : * Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand ** Research Center in Back, Neck, Other Joint Pain and Human Performance (BNOJPH), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Objective : To determine the effects of Thai massage on muscle spasticity in young people with cerebral palsy.
Material and Method: Young people with spastic diplegia, aged 6-18 years old, were recruited from 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.
Results : 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.
Conclusion : Thai massage decreased muscle spasticity and is suggested to be an alternative treatment for reducing spasticity
in young people with cerebral palsy.
Keywords : Thai massage, Spasticity, Cerebral palsy, Diplegia, Modified ashworth scale
