Compare the effects of Agonist versus Antagonist Contract Relax Techniques on Ankle Range of Motion and Functional Mobility in Spastic Cerebral Palsy Patients

Abstract

Background: Increase in range of motion of ankle and functional mobility is the most important long-term consideration for the conservative management of cerebral palsy patients.

Objective: To compare the effects of agonist contract versus antagonist contract-relax technique on ankle range of motion and functional mobility in the spastic cerebral palsy patients.

Methodology: It was randomized control trial. The target population was spastic diplegic CP patients of age 6-12 years with Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score >24, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) score of 1-3, and Modified Ashword Scale (MAS) score of <2. Total number of participants were seventy-two (thirty-six in each group i-e agonist contract relax group and antagonist contract relax group. It was a single blinded study. The protocol of both groups was done three days per week for eight consecutive weeks and data was collected at baseline, 4th week and 8th week. The outcome measures were spasticity and functional mobility.

Results: Total sample size was 72. Out of which 42(58.3%) were male and 30(41.7%) were female. The mean of age was 9.36 in agonist group and 8.89 in antagonist CR group. The results showed no significant difference for any outcome in between group comparison (p-value >0.05), however, the within group results showed significant difference (p-value <0.05).

Conclusion: The study concluded that both techniques are effective for improving functional mobility and range of motion in cerebral palsy patients
Key words: Agonist Contract Relax Technique, Antagonist Contract Relax Technique, Cerebral Palsy, Functional Mobility, Spasticity.