Short-term electrical stimulation enhances the effectiveness of Botulinum toxin in the treatment of lower limb spasticity in hemiparetic patients

Neurosci Lett. 1995 Dec 1;201(1):37-40. doi: 10.1016/0304-3940(94)12124-9.

Abstract

The study tested the spasmolytic effect of Botulinum toxin A in two groups of hemiparetic patients with lower limb spasticity: in the first group (n = 5) 2000 U Dysport were injected into the soleus, tibialis posterior and both heads of gastrocnemius muscles alone; the second (n = 5) received additional repetitive alternating electrical stimulation of M. tibialis anterior and plantar flexors for 30 min six times per day during the 3 days following the injection. Muscle tone, rated by the Ashworth spasticity score, and gait analysis including recording of vertical ground reaction forces, were assessed before and 4 weeks after injection. The combined treatment proved to be more effective with respect to the clinically assessed reduction of muscle tone, gait velocity, stride length, stance- and swing-symmetry (P < 0.05). The result is discussed with reference to animal experiments demonstrating enhanced toxin uptake and accelerated onset of its paralytic effect by electrical stimulation.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anti-Dyskinesia Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Dyskinesia Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Botulinum Toxins / adverse effects
  • Botulinum Toxins / therapeutic use*
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / complications
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy* / adverse effects
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Hemiplegia / complications*
  • Hemiplegia / etiology
  • Humans
  • Leg / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Spasticity / complications
  • Muscle Spasticity / drug therapy
  • Muscle Spasticity / therapy*
  • Walking

Substances

  • Anti-Dyskinesia Agents
  • Botulinum Toxins