The Effect of Repeated Botulinum Toxin A Therapy Combined with Intensive Rehabilitation on Lower Limb Spasticity in Post-Stroke Patients.

[OBJECTIVES] This study is a retrospective investigation of the effects of repetitive botulinum toxin A therapy (BoNT-A) and intensive rehabilitation (IR) on lower limb spasticity in post-stroke patients.

[METHODS] Thirty-five post-stroke patients was included in this study and received BoNT-A for the first time. A 12-day inpatient protocol was with 4 cycles of the treatment protocol. The severity of spasticity, motor function and brace status were evaluated.

[RESULTS] The modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score of ankle dorsiflexors, range of motion, walking speed and balancing ability were significantly improved after cycle 1. The improvement of spasticity and motor function was persistent through cycles 2⁻4. One-third of brace users were able to discontinue the use of a brace. All of these brace users showed a forward gait pattern prior to therapy.

[CONCLUSIONS] Repeated BoNT-A combined with IR improved lower limb spasticity in post-stroke patients. Our results suggest that patients who show the forward gait pattern prior to therapy may be able to discontinue the use of their brace after therapy.