Effects of Thai Massage on Spasticity in Young People with Cerebral Palsy.
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 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.


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 treatmentfor reducing spasticity in young people with cerebral palsy.