For clients with cerebral palsy who experience spasticity, what type of movement is typically easier for them?

Clients with cerebral palsy who experience spasticity often have increased muscle tone, which can make control over rapid and complex movements challenging. Continuous movements, on the other hand, can provide a more fluid form of motion that allows them to utilize their existing range of motion without the abruptness that comes with rapid movements.

Continuous movements engage muscles in a way that promotes rhythm and can allow for repetitive motion, helping to build coordination and improve motor control. This can be more achievable for individuals with spasticity because it tends to avoid the sudden contractions that often accompany spastic episodes. Additionally, continuous movements can reduce the risk of triggering a spastic response, making them a more suitable option for therapy and rehabilitation exercises.

In contrast, rapid, static, or complex movements can be difficult for these clients due to the unpredictable nature of muscle tone fluctuations associated with spasticity. Such movements may lead to increased resistance and discomfort, making continuous movement a more favorable choice for improving mobility and function.