Effects of High-Velocity Passive Stretch on Spasticity, Function, and Muscle Structure in Spastic CP Children

In addition to standard physical therapy (including strengthening exercises, weight-bearing, balance, proprioception, and gait training), stretching will be applied to the ankle joint as described by Tardieu: first at a velocity as slow as possible (V1) for 5 minutes, followed by stretching at the fastest possible velocity (V3), sufficient to elicit a catch, for 10 minutes. A 1-minute rest period will be provided between each stretch. This protocol will be conducted three times per week for four weeks under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Afterward, the exercise will be taught to the families and continued at home as a home-based program for up to six months, without velocity measurement.

In addition to standard physical therapy (including strengthening exercises, weight-bearing, balance, proprioception, and gait training), standard stretching will be applied to the ankle joint three sessions per week. Stretching will be performed for a total of 15 minutes per leg in each session, consisting of 10 repetitions of 60 seconds with 30-second rest intervals. During the 4-week intervention period, the exercises will be taught to the families and continued at home as a home exercise program for up to six months