不同步行锻炼方案在脑出血偏瘫患者中的应用效果

目的研究不同步行锻炼方案在脑出血偏瘫患者中的应用效果。方法选取在我院治疗的脑出血偏瘫患者90例,随机分为A、B、C 3组各30例,A组采用减重步行训练法,B组通过拐杖辅助进行步行训练,C组进行常规性步行训练。在实施锻炼方案前以及实施6周、12周后,分别采用10m最大步行速度(MWS)、FMA下肢运动功能评分、ADL评分评价患者锻炼效果。结果相对锻炼前,锻炼6周、12周后,3组10m最大步行速度(MWS)、FMA下肢运动功能评分、ADL评分均显著改善;A、C 2组效果优于B组,A组效果优于C组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论脑出血偏瘫患者进行减重步行训练不仅能够有效改善患者的步行能力,还能够提高其日常生活能力,值得临床推广使用。     

骨盆、髋关节周围肌群等长收缩训练对脑卒中后遗症期患者步行功能的影响

目的观察骨盆、髋关节周围肌群等长收缩训练对脑卒中后遗症期患者步行功能的影响。方法根据康复方法将脑卒中后遗症期患者21例分为收缩训练组(11例)和对照组(10例)。两组均予常规脑卒中药物治疗和常规康复治疗;收缩训练组在此基础上,采用仰卧位、侧卧位和俯卧位下的多组骨盆、髋关节周围肌群的等长收缩训练。两组均接受治疗6个月。治疗前后采用下肢Fugl-Meyer量表(FMA)、Berg平衡功能量表(BBS)、步态评估量表(TGA)和10 m最大步行速度(MWS)评价患者的步行功能。结果与治疗前比较,收缩训练组及对照组治疗后下肢FMA、BBS及TGA评分均显著升高,MWS速度显著加快(P0.05~0.01)。两组患者治疗前下肢FMA、BBS、TGA评分及MWS速度差异无统计学意义(均P0.05)。与对照组比较,收缩训练组治疗前后下肢FMA、TGA评分及MWS速度差值显著升高(t=2.28,P=0.04;t=3.85,P=0.00;Z=2.17,P=0.03),治疗前后BBS评分差值无统计学意义(t=-0.08,P=0.94)。结论仰、侧、俯卧位下骨盆、髋关节周围肌群等长收缩可提高脑卒中后遗症期患者下肢运动和步行能力。     

弹性悬带矫形器对偏瘫患者步行功能的影响

目的 评价新型弹力悬带矫形器对患者下肢运动功能及步行功能恢复的效果。方法 28例卒中后偏瘫患者随机被纳入康复治疗组（对照组）和弹力悬带矫形器治疗组（治疗组）,对照组在治疗师指导下进行常规康复训练,治疗组在常规康复训练的基础上佩带弹力悬带矫形器进行步行训练,连续治疗8周。分别于治疗前,治疗后4周和治疗后8周由同一个治疗师对下肢运动功能评分（Fugl-Meyer,FMA）、能量消耗指数（physical consume index,PCI）及包括10 m舒适步行速度和10 m快速步行速度、步频、步长、足偏角、步基宽在内的步态时空参数进行评测,并比较上述指标在治疗前后的变化,观察弹力悬带矫形器的作用效果。结果 治疗4周后,治疗组和对照组10 m舒适步行速度和10 m快速步行速度、步长、步频较治疗前提高（均P＜0.01）,步基宽、PCI较治疗前降低（均P＜0.01）;2组FMA和足偏角治疗前后差异无统计学意义。治疗后治疗组10 m舒适步行速度和10 m快速步行速度、步长较对照组明显提高（P =0.0298,0.0225,0.025）,步基宽、PCI较对照组明显降低（P =0.001,0.026）;2组步频、FMA和足偏角比较差异无统计学意义。治疗8周后,治疗组和对照组的10 m舒适步行速度和10 m快速步行速度、步长、步频及FMA评分较治疗前提高（均P＜0.01）,步基宽、PCI较治疗前降低（均P＜0.01）;2组足偏角治疗前后差异无统计学意义。治疗后治疗组10 m舒适步行速度和10 m快速步行速度、步长、步频及FMA评分较对照组明显提高（P =0.042、0.015,0.024,0.024,0.038）,步基宽、PCI较对照组明显降低（均P＜0.01）;2组足偏角比较差异无统计学意义。结论 早期使用弹力带矫形器可以纠正偏瘫患者的异常步态,提高步行速度,降低能量消耗,促进步行功能恢复。     

穴位推拿结合抗痉挛技术对脑卒中后上肢肌痉挛改善的疗效观察

目的观察穴位推拿结合抗痉挛技术对脑卒中后上肢肌痉挛的改善情况。方法 40例脑卒中后上肢肌痉挛的患者随机分成治疗组(穴位推拿与抗痉挛技术组)和对照组(抗痉挛技术组),在治疗前和治疗后第12周运用改良的Ashworth肌痉挛量表(MAS)和Fugl-meyer(FMA)的上肢主动运动功能积分进行上肢肌痉挛和运动功能的评定。结果 2组患者治疗后MAS和FMA评分与治疗前比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗组与对照组治疗后MAS和FMA评分比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 2组均能改善上肢肌痉挛和运动功能,但穴位推拿结合抗痉挛技术在改善上肢肌痉挛和运动功能方面又优于单纯抗痉挛技术。     

不同步行训练法对脑卒中偏瘫患者预后的影响

目的观察不同步行训练法对脑卒中偏瘫患者预后的影响及临床疗效。方法选取2012-03—2013-03收治的脑卒中偏瘫患者140例为对象,随机分为3组,A组采用常规的步行训练方法,B组采用辅助工具步行训练法,C组采用减重步行训练法。结果 3组患者治疗前FMA和MBL评分差异无统计学意义,治疗后评分均显著上升。治疗后C组FMA和MBL评分分别为31.92±3.31和48.79±5.01,且评分在3组患者中最高。3组治疗前ASS、FAC和FIM评分差异无统计学意义;治疗后C组ASS评分为1.69±0.53,为3组中最低;FAC和FIM评分中,C组为3组中最高。3组患者在接受治疗后其步行距离均有显著提高,C组MWS在治疗前为(12.62±3.35)m/min,治疗后(78.92±8.92)m/min;TUGT从(28.92±11.62)s加速到(12.92±5.72)s,C组测定结果为3组患者中最快;治疗后3个月后A组MWS和TUGT均比B组快,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论采用减重步行训练法有利于提高脑卒中偏瘫患者的步行运动能力,提高患者的生活质量,有利于患者的预后。     

抗痉挛治疗仪在治疗脑卒中后上肢痉挛中的作用

目的探讨抗痉挛治疗仪在治疗脑卒中后上肢痉挛中的临床效果。方法将40例脑卒中后上肢痉挛的患者随机分为两组,对照组进行常规的康复训练,治疗组在常规康复训练的基础上加用抗痉挛治疗仪进行治疗;分别采用上肢改良Ashworth量表(MAS)、疼痛视觉模拟评分法(VAS)及简化Fugl-Meyer运动功能评定量表(FMA)上肢部分对两组患者治疗前及治疗30d后上肢痉挛程度、疼痛程度及上肢运动功能的变化进行比较。结果治疗前两组MAS分级,VAS评分及FMA评分比较,差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。治疗后两组MAS分级及VAS评分显著低于治疗前(P0.05),且治疗组降低程度更加显著;两组FMA评分均有显著提高,且治疗组提高程度优于对照组。结论抗痉挛治疗仪能有效降低脑卒中患者肱二头肌痉挛程度,并能缓解疼痛,提高其运动功能。     

减重步行训练在脑卒中后下肢运动及平衡功能康复中的价值

目的探讨减重步行训练在脑卒中后下肢运动及平衡功能康复的疗效。方法 72例患者随机分为治疗组42例,对照组30例,对照组给予常规的药物治疗和康复训练,治疗组在此基础上给予减重步行训练,分别采用Fugl-Meyer积分(FMA)和Berg平衡量表(Berg balance scale,BBS)评价下肢运动功能和平衡能力。结果完成减重步行训练后,对照组和治疗组FMA和BBS均较治疗前升高,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与对照组相比较,治疗组FMA和BBS均显著升高,分别有(25.14±5.58vs 20.02±6.07,t=2.216 P=0.033)和(51.84±3.67vs 46.90±3.95,t=2.067 P=0.042)。结论常规康复治疗的基础上给予减重步行训练可促进脑卒中患者下肢运动和平衡功能的恢复。     

减重步行训练在卒中后偏瘫康复中的应用

目的 探讨卒中后偏瘫患者早期开展减重步行训练(PBWSTT)对下肢运动功能,步行能力和日常生活能力的影响.方法 选择病程在3个月内,偏瘫肢体分级Brunstrom分级≥Ⅱ级的稳定性卒中患者122例,随机分为PBWSTT组(63例)和对照组(59例).对照组患者采用神经促进技术进行康复训练;PBWSTT组患者在接受与对照组相同的康复训练基础上,进行PBWSTT训练.治疗前及治疗后4周采用功能性步行量表(FAC)表,简式Fugl-Meyer运动功能量表(FMA)及独立功能评定量表(FIM),评定2组患者步行能力,下肢运动功能及日常生活能力.结果 对照组治疗前FAC、FMA和FIM评分分别为0.42±0.23,17.1±5.2和35.3±3.8.治疗后为2.5±1.3,23.6±7.3和67.9±9.2.治疗前后评分比较,差异有显著意义(P＜0.05);PBWSTT组治疗前为0.36±0.13、16.7±6.2和35.1±3.4,治疗后为3.8±1.4、39.3±7.6和90.1±10.0,治疗前后比较,差异有显著性(P＜0.01).2组治疗后FAC,FMA评分比较差异亦有极显著性(P＜0.01),FIM评分差异有显著性(P＜0.05).对照组治疗前后能够独立步行者分别占44.1%、57.6%(P＜0.05);PBWSTT组为34.9%、88.9%(P＜0.01).治疗后对照组与PBWSTT组比较差异有显著性(P＜0.05).结论 卒中偏瘫患者早期在传统的康复治疗基础上应用减重步行训练,能更大程度提高下肢运动功能,步行能力及日常生活能力.     

反复促通技术联合rTMS对卒中后下肢运动功能障碍患者的康复效果

目的 探讨反复促通技术联合重复经颅磁刺激（rTMS）对卒中后下肢运动功能障碍患者下肢运动功能及步态恢复的康复效果。方法 选取2022-01—06黑龙江中医药大学附属第四医院康复科收治的80例脑卒中后下肢运动功能障碍患者,分为对照组（n=40）和观察组（n=40）。对照组采用r TMS治疗,观察组实施反复促通技术联合rTMS治疗。比较2组患者治疗前后下肢运动功能量表（FMA）、Berg平衡量表（BBS）、10 m步行时间、血清同型半胱氨酸（Hcy）、血管紧张素转化酶（ACE）水平以及步行功能量表（FAC）分级、改良Barthel指数（MBI）和改良Ashworth指数（MAS）分级效果。结果 观察组治疗4周、8周后FMA、BBS、FAC、MBI评分均显著高于对照组（P<0.05）。观察组治疗4周、8周后10 m步行时间与Hcy、ACE水平显著低于对照组（P<0.05）。观察组治疗4周、8周后肌肉痉挛改善程度优于对照组（P<0.05）。结论 反复促通技术联合rTMS能有效促进脑卒中下肢运动功能障碍患者下肢运动功能和平衡功能的恢复,降低血清Hcy、ACE水平,对提高患者步数...     

踝关节综合康复方案对偏瘫病人下肢功能障碍的疗效观察

目的观察踝关节综合康复方案在偏瘫病人下肢功能障碍康复中的作用。方法将入选的64例患者随机分为治疗组和对照组各32例。2组患者均给予常规康复治疗(包括PT、OT、理疗、针灸等),治疗组在此基础上辅以踝关节综合康复方案。于治疗前、治疗4周后分别采用Berg平衡量表(BBS)、简易Fugl-Meyer下肢运动积分和最大步行速度(MWS)对各组患者平衡及下肢功能进行评定。结果治疗前2组患者BBS、Fugl-Meyer及MWS评分组间差异均无统计学意义(P0.05);分别经4周治疗后,2组上述指标均较治疗前明显改善,治疗组上述指标的改善幅度较显著,与对照组比较差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论脑卒中偏瘫患者在常规康复治疗基础上辅以踝关节综合康复能有效地提高脑卒中患者平衡及下肢功能,改善步行功能。     

Long-term effects of injection of botulinum toxin type A combined with home-based functional training for post-stroke patients with spastic upper limb hemiparesis

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injection with home-based functional training for passive and active motor function, over a 6-month period in post-stroke patients with upper limb spasticity. We studied 190 patients with at least 6-month history of stroke. They received injections of BoNT-A in upper limb muscles and detailed one-to-one instructions for home-based functional training. At baseline (before therapy), and at 1-, 3- and 6-month follow-up, Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) and Wolf motor function test (WMFT) were used to assess active motor function, the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) for assessment of spasticity, and the range of motion (ROM) for passive motor function. The total score for upper limb and scores of categories A and B of the FMA increased significantly at 1, 3 and 6 months, while the FMA score for category D increased significantly at 3 and 6 months, but not at 1 month. Significant decreases in the MAS scores were noted in all muscles examined at 1, 3 and 6 months, compared with baseline. The ROM for elbow joint extension significantly improved at 1, 3, and 6 months, while that for wrist joint extension increased significantly at 1 month, but not 3 or 6 months, compared with baseline. The results suggest that comprehensive improvement of motor function requires improvement of motor function in the proximal part of the upper limb and that BoNT-A followed by rehabilitation reduces spasticity and improves motor function of fingers.     

Botulinum toxin type A in post-stroke lower limb spasticity: a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Lower limb spasticity in post-stroke patients can impair ambulation and reduces activities of daily living (ADL) performance of patients. Botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) has been shown effective for upper limb spasticity. This study assesses the treatment of lower limb spasticity in a large placebo-controlled clinical trial. In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study, we evaluate the efficacy and safety of one-time injections of botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) in Japanese patients with post-stroke lower limb spasticity. One hundred twenty patients with lower limb spasticity were randomized to a single treatment with BoNTA 300 U or placebo. The tone of the ankle flexor was assessed at baseline and through 12 weeks using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Gait pattern and speed of gait were also assessed. The primary endpoint was area under the curve (AUC) of the change from baseline in the MAS ankle score. Significant improvement in spasticity with BoNTA 300 U was demonstrated by a mean difference in the AUC of the change from baseline in the MAS ankle score between the BoNTA and placebo groups (−3.428; 95% CIs, −5.841 to −1.016; p = 0.006; t test). A significantly greater decrease from baseline in the MAS ankle score was noted at weeks 4, 6 and 8 in the BoNTA group compared to the placebo group (p < 0.001). Significant improvement in the Clinicians Global Impression was noted by the investigator at weeks 4, 6 and 8 (p = 0.016–0.048, Wilcoxon test), but not by the patient or physical/occupational therapist. Assessments of gait pattern using the Physician’s Rating Scale and speed of gait revealed no significant treatment differences but showed a tendency towards improvement with BoNTA. No marked difference was noted in the frequency of treatment-related adverse events between BoNTA and placebo groups. This was the first large-scale trial to indicate that BoNTA significantly reduced spasticity in lower limb muscles.     

注射用A 型肉毒毒素改善亚急性期和恢复期脑卒中患者肌肉痉挛和活动功能效果的比较

目的 评价注射用A型肉毒毒素改善脑卒中亚急性期和恢复期肌肉痉挛和活动功能的效果比较.方法 选择2013年6月~2016年1月在我院就诊的脑卒中患者86例,根据病史长短分为亚急性期组(<1个月)37例和恢复期组(≥1个月)49例,均接受肉毒毒素200 U肌肉注射,疗程4周,评价治疗后改良Ashworth量表(MAS)、改良Tardieu量表(MTS)、徒手肌力检查法(MMT)、被动关节活动度(PROM)、Barthel指数和Fugl-Meyer量表.结果 所有患者均顺利接受治疗,两组随访时间分别为26(22~30)d和29(24~31)d,组间比较差异无统计学意义(Z=1.332,P=0.307);亚急性期组治疗后肘部、腕部MAS评分较疗前改善(P<0.05),而恢复期组MAS无明显差异(P>0.05),亚急性期组均优于恢复期组(P<0.05);亚急性期组治疗后肘部R1、D和腕部R1、R2均有改善(P<0.05),恢复期组治疗后MTS中肘部R1、D和腕部R1较治疗前改善(P<0.05),亚急性期组腕部R1、R2优于恢复期组(P<0.05);亚急性期组治疗后MMT肘部外展较治疗前改善(P<0.05),其他指标无改善;亚急性期组PROM腕部外展、腕部活动度较治疗前改善(P<0.05),恢复期组各指标治疗后无明显改善(P>0.05),亚急性组腕部外展优于恢复期组(P<0.05);亚急性期组Barthel指数、Fugl-Meyer和恢复期Fugl-Meyer较治疗前升高(P<0.05),但组间比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 肉毒毒素能改善脑卒中亚急性期和恢复期肌肉痉挛和功能,但亚急性期治疗效果更明显.     

A double-blind randomised placebo-controlled evaluation of three doses of botulinum toxin type A (Dysport) in the treatment of spastic equinovarus deformity after stroke

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Calf muscle hypertonicity following stroke may impair walking rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to assess botulinum toxin (Dysport) in post-stroke calf spasticity. METHODS: A prospective, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study was performed to evaluate dysport at 500, 1,000 or 1,500 units in 234 stroke patients. They were assessed at 4-week intervals over 12 weeks. RESULTS: The primary outcome measure, 2-min walking distance and stepping rate increased significantly in each group (p < 0.05, paired test), but there was no significant difference between groups (including placebo). Following dysport treatment, there were small but significant (p = 0.0002-0.0188) improvements in calf spasticity, limb pain, and a reduction in the use of walking aids, compared to placebo. Investigators' and patients' assessments of overall benefit suggested an advantage for dysport over placebo, but this was not significant. Sixty-eight patients reported 130 adverse events, with similar numbers in each group. The few severe events recorded were not considered to be treatment-related. CONCLUSION: Dysport resulted in a significant reduction in muscle tone, limb pain and dependence on walking aids. The greatest benefits were in patients receiving dysport 1,500 units, but 1,000 units also had significant effects. Dysport 500 units resulted in some improvements. Since few adverse events were reported, this therapy is considered safe and may be a useful treatment in post-stroke rehabilitation of the leg. Possible reasons why functional improvements in gait parameters were not observed are also discussed.     

Comprehensive Use of Dynamic Electrical Neurostimulation and Botulinum Toxin Therapy in Patients with Post-Stroke Spasticity

BackgroundAcute cerebrovascular accident poses a threat to the health of the nation. Dynamic electric neurostimulation decreases the excitability of the receptor apparatus, optimize microcirculatory processes, analgesic and antispasmodic effects.MethodsThis article discusses the rehabilitation of 96 men and women with post-stroke spasticity, mean age of 60.51 ± 4.9 years, in the early recovery period after ischemic stroke, randomized into 4 equal groups: Group 1 received botulinum toxin therapy in combination with dynamic electric neurostimulation and basic therapy, including massage and therapeutic exercises; Group 2 -botulinum toxin therapy and basic therapy; Group 3 – dynamic electric neurostimulation and basic therapy; Group 4 – basic therapy only. Study methods included the use of the Modified Asworth Scale to assess spasticity, the Rivemead Motor Assessment test, and goniometry to assess the range of joint movements.ResultsDuring a three-week observation, it was found that the inclusion of botulinum toxin therapy and dynamic electrical neurostimulation in the standard therapy of post-stroke spasticity in patients after ischemic stroke in the early recovery period contributed to patients’ recovery.ConclusionsBotulinum toxin therapy and dynamic electrical neurostimulation contributed to a more significant decrease in spasticity in the proximal and distal parts of the paretic upper extremity. It is also increased the amplitude of voluntary movements in the affected shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints, compared to the separate use of botulinum toxin therapy and dynamic electric neurostimulation as part of basic rehabilitation.     

Measures of muscle and joint performance in the lower limb of children with cerebral palsy

The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and magnitude of error of three lower-limb clinical measures for children with cerebral palsy (CP): the Modified Ashworth Scale of Spasticity (MAS), passive range of movement (PROM) and the modified Tardieu scale (MTS). Six physiotherapists measured 11 females and seven males (mean age 6 years 4 months, SD 2 years 4 months; age range 2 years 4 months to 10 years) on two occasions using a repeated measures design, collecting all data over 6 days. The severity of CP spanned all five levels of the Gross Motor Function Classification System and all children demonstrated varying degrees of spasticity. Exclusion criteria included botulinum toxin injections, inhibitory plasters, and orthopaedic surgery within the 6 months before study entry. For PROM and the MTS interrater reliability was acceptable with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.7, but results for MAS were lower. Standard error of measurement for repeated measures of PROM and MTS was about five degrees, but 95% confidence interval ranges were considerably higher. Test-retest results varied widely, particularly for the MAS. These measurement tools should be used with caution when evaluating changes in young children with CP.     

Effects of botulinum toxin A therapy and multidisciplinary rehabilitation on upper and lower limb spasticity in post-stroke patients

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of combined botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) and inpatient multidisciplinary (MD) rehabilitation therapy on the improvement of upper and lower limb function in post-stroke patients. Methods. In this retrospective study, a 12-day inpatient treatment protocol was implemented on 51 post-stroke patients with spasticity. Assessments were performed on the day of admission, at discharge, and at 3 months following discharge. Results. At the time of discharge, all of the evaluated items showed a statistically significant improvement. Only the Functional Reach Test (FRT) showed a statistically significant improvement at 3 months. In subgroup analyses, the slowest walking speed group showed a significantly greater change ratio of the 10 Meter Walk Test relative to the other groups, from the time of admission to discharge. This group showed a greater FRT change ratio than the other groups from the time of admission to the 3-month follow-up. Conclusion. Inpatient combined therapy of simultaneous injections of BoNT-A to the upper and lower limbs and MD may improve motor function.     

Botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of the upper limb spasticity after stroke: a meta-analysis

Muscle over-activity is one of the cardinal features of spasticity and it is a common disability of stroke patients. In this group, spasticity is responsible for several limitations that interfere in their daily activities and quality of life. To treat spasticity, neurologists usually prescribe drugs as baclofen, tizanidine or benzodiazepines or even use definitive treatment as phenol or surgery. Authors suggest the use of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) for spasticity in the upper limbs after stroke, but there are few papers with adequate methodology supporting this idea. In this article we summarize the data of previous double-blind, randomised clinical trials to asses, with a meta-analysis, if BTX-A is an adequate treatment for spasticity due to stroke. The results show a statistical superiority of BTX-A ov%r placebo on reducing muscle tone by the Modified Ashworth Scale (WMD= 0.95 [0.74 to 1.17]) in patients with post-stroke upper limb spasticity.     

Botulinum toxin type A for upper limb spasticity following stroke: an open-label study with individualised, flexible injection regimens

Abstract Current antispastic medications are unsatisfactory for spasticity treatment, but botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) shows promise as a new therapeutic option. This open-label, prospective study aimed to assess the effectiveness of BTX-A in improving functional mobility in the early post-stroke population using an individualised, flexible range of doses and targeted muscle groups. Twenty-one stroke patients (13 male, 8 female) were enrolled and injected with BTX-A (Botox, Allergan, mean dose: 255 U; range: 185–300) according to individual spasticity patterns. Assessments were made at baseline and weeks 2, 4, 6, 10 and 16 post-treatment. Outcome measures comprised: Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), finger flexion scale (Bhakta), MRC scale, Physicians Rating Scale (PRS), Nine Hole Peg Test (9HPT), Motor Assessment Scale, Clinical Global Impression (CGI), Global Assessment of Spasticity (GASS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain assessment. Statistically significant improvements in muscle tone as determined by the MAS were found in all areas (except arm) till week 16 (p<0.05). Finger positioning improved for the study duration, whilst muscle power increased only slightly in specific muscles. PRS revealed significant improvements to week 10 and slight improvement in 9HPT performance in selected patients was observed. Motor Assessment Scale results were statistically significant for arm, hand and advanced hand functions, although the overall functional benefit was mild. GASS and CGI results also showed improvement. Pain was present only in 11 patients and did not significantly improve following treatment. Individualised BTX-A injection regimens may be an effective, reversible and safe new treatment option for patients with spasticity. Nevertheless, functional improvement may be reached only in selected patients.     

Clinical efficacy and sEMG analysis of a new traditional Chinese medicine therapy in the treatment of spasticity following apoplectic hemiparalysis

To investigate the clinical effect and surface electromyography (sEMG) of rehabilitation exercise therapy in combination with total glucosides form Shaoyao Gancao decoction in treating spasticity after apoplectic hemiparalysis. Composite spasticity scale (CSS), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) and modified Barthel index were compared between the exercise only group and the combined therapy group before and 1 month after the treatment to scale muscular tension, function and activities of daily living. Meanwhile, integrate EMG and root mean square (RMS) were used to detect the tension of upper limbs (biceps brachii) and ankles (tibialis anterior muscle and gastrocnemius) after the 1-month treatment. In the combined therapy group, the Ashworth and CSS scales were significantly improved compared to before the treatment (P < 0.05) and compared to the patients in the control group (P < 0.05). After the 1-month treatment, the combined therapy group showed significantly higher FMA and BI scores (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. For the combined therapy group, the sEMG was significantly improved at 1 month after the treatment (P < 0.05), while the control group only showed relatively slight improvement in the RMS of the tibialis anterior muscle and the gastrocnemius. The total glucosides form Shaoyao Gancao decoction could significantly improve the efficacy of the rehabilitation exercise therapy in the treatment of spasticity after apoplectic hemiparalysis, and its mechanism might involve the decrease of muscular tension.