Operant Conditioning of the Soleus Stretch Reflex in Adults with Spastic Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

Abnormal muscle stiffness, or spasticity, is the most common cause of disability in people with cerebral palsy (CP), affecting more than 80% of individuals. It can lead to tight muscles, abnormal posture, and difficulty with movement. As adults with CP age, spasticity often becomes worse, causing pain and making daily activities more challenging. While current treatments can provide short-term relief, they are often costly, may have side effects, and require frequent repetition.

Our project explores a new, non-invasive approach called Operant Conditioning (OC) to help reduce muscle stiffness. OC uses feedback training to help the nervous system “relearn” how to control reflexes that contribute to spasticity. By targeting and reducing overactive reflexes in the leg muscles, we hope to decrease stiffness, improve movement, and enhance overall quality of life for adults living with cerebral palsy.