Abstract

The Alpinia Zerumbet oil acts on contractility of muscles decreasing tonus. Hypertonia is common in individuals with Cerebral Palsy (CP). This study aims to investigate if the dermal local application of Alpinia Zerumbet oil can decrease the neural hypertonia in individuals with CP. Methods: 19 individuals with CP, mean age of 18.1 years-old (DP=11.24), 14 levels IV/V and 5 I/II/III of GMFCS, with hypertonia in biceps brachii and adductors of hip. Each subject was assessed through Ashworth and Tardieu modified scales and received the dermal application of Alpinia Zerumbet oil or placebo. After 30 minutes the patient was assessed again. The application was randomized and the evaluators were blind. Same protocol was repeated after one week. Differences between angles before and after applications were calculated for angle of catch seen at fast velocity (R1) and full range of motion at slow velocity (R2), measured by a goniometer. Anova was performed. Results: Differences between angles in R1 were bigger than R2 (p=0.049) and Ziclague was bigger than placebo (p=0,012). From 32 assessments, 11 showed gains over 5ᴼ in R2 and 13 in R1. Conclusion: One dermal application of the Alpinia Zerumbet oil was able to reduce hypertonia after 30 minutes. We suggest a study with the assessments longer than 30 minutes after the application to confirm these results.

Keywords:Cerebral palsy; Hypertonia; Spasticity; Alpinia zerumbet oil; Ziclague

Abbreviations:CP: Cerebral Palsy; SCPE: Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe