Comparison of the effect of the static streching andfascia stretching on the elasticity of hamstring muscle inchildren with cerebral palsy

Static stretching and fascia stretching (fascial mobilization) are the physiotherapy methods that used to provide muscle flexibility in all muscles. The aim of our study is to compare the effects of static stretching and fascia stretching of hamstring muscles in children with cerebral palsy in terms of muscle flexibility. Thirty children with cerebral palsy aged between 5 and 15 years were included in this study (8.58 ± 3.17 years). Fascial stretching was applied to the right hamstring muscle behind the thigh and static stretching technique was applied to the left hamstring muscle for 4 weeks and 5 days each week. Flexibility was measured by normal joint motion tests and sit-and-lie tests before and after the application. A significant increase in normal range of motion was obtained after static stretching (Application II) (p=0.041). There was a significant difference in range of motion after fascial stretching (Application I) (p=0.001). A significant increase in the flexibility of the hamstring muscle was obtained after static stretching (p=0.001). There was also an increase in flexibility of the hamstring muscle after fascial stretching (p = 0.001). It was stated that the flexibility increase of the fascia stretching on the hamstring muscle was higher than the effect of static stretching (p=0.001). According to the results of our study, both static stretching and fascia stretching have a positive effect on hamstring muscle flexibility in children with cerebral palsy. In addition, it has been observed that the fascia stretching technique provides more flexibility and greater range of motion than static stretching. Keywords: Static stretching, fascia stretching, Flexibility, The normal Knee Joint movement active, Hamstring muscle