Effects of botulinum toxin A therapy with electrical stimulation on spastic calf muscles in children with cerebral palsy.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the additive effect of adjuvant electrical stimulation on botulinum toxin A injection in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

DESIGN:

Eighteen children with dynamic foot equinus deformity were treated with botulinum toxin A injection into the calf muscles. Seven children were assigned to a treatment group who received botulinum toxin A and adjuvant electrical stimulation, and 11 children were assigned to a control group with botulinum toxin injection only. Before botulinum injection, and at 2 wks and 3 mos after injection, the Physician Rating Scale, passive ranges of ankle and knee motion, and the modified Ashworth scale were measured.

RESULTS:

A significant increase in passive range of ankle motion was observed at 2 wks after injection in the treatment group and at 3 mos after injection in both groups. Both groups showed significant improvements by the modified Ashworth scale at 2 wks after injection. Subscales of the Physician Rating Scale (equinus foot, crouched gait) and total Physician Rating Scale scores were significantly improved in the treatment group at 3 mos after injection, but this was not observed in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Adjuvant electrical stimulation for a short period after botulinum toxin A injection was found to benefit early improvement of range of motion and maintenance of gait improvement in children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy showing dynamic equinus.

• Authors: Bo-Sung Kang, Moon Suk Bang, Se Hee Jung
• Journal: American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation (Am J Phys Med Rehabil) Vol. 86 Issue 11 Pg. 901-6 (Nov 2007) ISSN: 0894-9115 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17873826 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Neuromuscular Agents
• Botulinum Toxins, Type A

Topics

• Botulinum Toxins, Type A (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Cerebral Palsy (rehabilitation)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Electric Stimulation Therapy
• Female
• Gait
• Humans
• Infant
• Injections, Intramuscular
• Male
• Muscle, Skeletal
• Neuromuscular Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Range of Motion, Articular
• Treatment Outcome