Abstract |
The combined effects of robotic therapy and botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) on upper-limb movement and function were studied in an 8(1/2)-yr-old child with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Robotic therapy comprising repetitive, goal-directed reaching tasks was administered two times per week for 8 wks. Clinical measures included the Modified Ashworth Scale, the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test, and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (upper-limb section). Improvements in upper-limb coordination and quality of motor performance were apparent throughout the robotic therapy trial. The observed gains are comparable with those attained from conventional occupational therapy combined with BTX-A. A parent questionnaire indicated that the amount of paretic arm use also improved during daily activities at home. This preliminary study indicates that robotic therapy may be a useful clinical tool when combined with BTX-A injections for improving upper-limb coordination and quality of motor performance in children with cerebral palsy.
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Authors | Susan E Fasoli, Maria Fragala-Pinkham, Richard Hughes, Hermano Igo Krebs, Neville Hogan, Joel Stein |
Journal | American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation
(Am J Phys Med Rehabil)
Vol. 87
Issue 12
Pg. 1022-5
(Dec 2008)
ISSN: 1537-7385 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 18617860
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
- Neuromuscular Agents
- Botulinum Toxins, Type A
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Topics |
- Botulinum Toxins, Type A
(therapeutic use)
- Cerebral Palsy
(rehabilitation)
- Child
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Exercise Therapy
(instrumentation)
- Female
- Hemiplegia
(rehabilitation)
- Humans
- Neuromuscular Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Robotics
- Upper Extremity
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