Passive stretching is widely used for individuals with
spasticity in a belief that tightness or contracture of soft
tissues can be corrected and lengthened. Evidence for the
efficacy of passive stretching on individuals with spasticity is
limited. The aim of this review was to evaluate the evidence
on the effectiveness of passive stretching in children with
spastic cerebral palsy. Seven studies were selected according to
the selection criteria and scored against the Physiotherapy
Evidence Database scale. Effect size and 95% confidence
intervals were calculated for comparison. There was limited
evidence that manual stretching can increase range of
movements, reduce spasticity, or improve walking efficiency
in children with spasticity. It appeared that sustained
stretching of longer duration was preferable to improve range
of movements and to reduce spasticity of muscles around the
targeted joints. Methods of passive stretching were varied.
Further research is required given the present lack of
knowledge about treatment outcomes and the wide use of this
treatment modality.