Scholarly Article
Influence of Stretching & Icing In Neurological Conditions to Relieve Spasticity - A Systematic Review
Ganvir, Suvarna, Nayak, Rabina, Harishchandre, Maheshwari
2021-08-16 · VIMS JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL THERAPY · DVVPF's, College of Physiotherapy
Abstract
Background: Spasticity is a consequence of neuromuscular disorders, which affects quality of life in those who experience this phenomenon. Spasticity results from an upper motor neuron lesion that disinhibits the tendon stretch reflex; spasticity results in a velocity dependent tightness of muscle. Icing inhibits the proprioceptive afferent pathways responsible for the transmission of information to the spinal cord and the thalamus. Where in muscle influence the excitability in spinal cord to decrease spasticity. This could be suggested as one of the mechanisms of relieving spasticity by cold therapy. Stretching suppresses monosynaptic spinal reflex excitability in stretched muscles also included as part of a training and recovery and improves flexibility and range of motion of joints. Objective: To investigate the literature evidence for the effect of stretching and icing on spasticity in neurological conditions. Methodology: Review contain latest literature, studies included within last 20 years. They were entered into PubMed, Google scholar and Ovid databases, which included Medline, CINAHL, and Journals at Ovid full text, EBM reviews. The population which was selected were adults and children with spasticity developed after neurological conditions. A systematic literature search was evaluated 50 articles related to effect of stretching & icing on spasticity. Out of 50 articles we selected, 40 articles which were found suitable for reviewing the effect of stretching and icing on spasticity in patients with neurological conditions. Studies written in English language were only included. Conclusion: Stretching helps in reducing the contracture and prolonged muscle stretch reduces the motor neuron excitability. The study as well suggested that icing applied to the spastic muscles is effective in decreasing muscle tonus level, but indicating short term benefits in the context of clinical practice. There is also hypersensitivity reactions to cold were observed. Key words: Cryotherapy/ Cold therapy/Icing, Stretching, Spasticity, Physical therapy.
Keywords
Cryotherapy/ Cold therapy/Icing, Stretching, Spasticity, Physical therapy
Citation Details
VIMS JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL THERAPY, pp. 76-84