Is Spastic Muscle Echo Intensity Related to the Response to Botulinum Toxin Type A in Patients With Stroke? A Cohort Study

Assessing muscle architecture with ultrasound: implications for spasticity

Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A (BoNT-A) injections using Ultrasound (US) guidance have led to research evaluating changes in muscle architecture. Controversy remains as to what constitutes increased Echo-Intensity (EI) in spastic muscles and whether this may affect outcomes. We aim to provide a narrative review of US muscle architecture changes following Central Nervous System (CNS) lesions and explore their relationship to spasticity. Medline, CINAHL, and Embase databases were searched with keywords: ultrasonography, hypertonia, spasticity, fibrosis, and Heckmatt. Three physicians reviewed the results of the search to select relevant papers. Reviews identified in the search were used as a resource to identify additional studies. A total of 68 papers were included. Four themes were identified, including histopathological changes in spastic muscle, effects of BoNT-A on the muscle structure, available US modalities to assess the muscle, and utility of US assessment in clinical spasticity. Histopathological studies revealed atrophic and fibro-fatty changes after CNS lesions. Several papers described BoNT-A injections contributing to those modifications. These changes translated to increased EI. The exact significance of increased muscle EI remains unclear. The Modified Heckmatt Scale (MHS) is a validated tool for grading muscle EI in spasticity. The use of the US may be an important tool to assess muscle architecture changes in spasticity and improve spasticity management. Treatment algorithms may be developed based on the degree of EI. Further research is needed to determine the incidence and impact of these EI changes in spastic muscles.

Quantitative assessment of spasticity: a narrative review of novel approaches and technologies

Spasticity is a complex neurological disorder, causing significant physical disabilities and affecting patients' independence and quality of daily lives. Current spasticity assessment methods are questioned for their non-standardized measurement protocols, limited reliabilities, and capabilities in distinguishing neuron or non-neuron factors in upper motor neuron lesion. A series of new approaches are developed for improving the effectiveness of current clinical used spasticity assessment methods with the developing technology in biosensors, robotics, medical imaging, biomechanics, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence. We investigated the reliabilities and effectiveness of current spasticity measures employed in clinical environments and the newly developed approaches, published from 2016 to date, which have the potential to be used in clinical environments. The new spasticity scales, taking advantage of quantified information such as torque, or echo intensity, the velocity-dependent feature and patients' self-reported information, grade spasticity semi-quantitatively, have competitive or better reliability than previous spasticity scales. Medical imaging technologies, including near-infrared spectroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and thermography, can measure muscle hemodynamics and metabolism, muscle tissue properties, or temperature of tissue. Medical imaging-based methods are feasible to provide quantitative information in assessing and monitoring muscle spasticity. Portable devices, robotic based equipment or myotonometry, using information from angular, inertial, torque or surface EMG sensors, can quantify spasticity with the help of machine learning algorithms. However, spasticity measures using those devices are normally not physiological sound. Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation can assess patients with severe spasticity, which lost voluntary contractions. Neuromusculoskeletal modeling evaluates the neural and non-neural properties and may gain insights into the underlying pathology of spasticity muscles. Telemedicine technology enables outpatient spasticity assessment. The newly developed spasticity methods aim to standardize experimental protocols and outcome measures and enable quantified, accurate, and intelligent assessment. However, more work is needed to investigate and improve the effectiveness and accuracy of spasticity assessment.

Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Controlling Spasticity in Cerebral Palsy Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Timing of Outcome Measurement

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has been suggested as an alternative treatment for reducing spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). However, the duration of its effect was rarely known. A meta-analysis was performed to investigate the effectiveness of ESWT at controlling spasticity in patients with CP according to the follow-up period. We included studies in which ESWT was used to manage spasticity in patients with CP, and the effect was compared with that in a control group. Finally, three studies were included. In the meta-analysis, spasticity, measured using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), was significantly reduced after ESWT compared with that in the control group; however, it was sustained for only 1 month. After ESWT, significant increases in passive ankle range of motion (ROM) and plantar surface area in the standing position were observed compared with those in the control group and sustained for up to 3 months. Although spasticity measured using MAS was significantly reduced for only 1 month, improvement in spasticity-associated symptoms, such as ankle ROM and plantar surface area contacting the ground, persisted for over 3 months. ESWT appears to be a useful and effective therapeutic option for managing spasticity in patients with CP.

Shear Wave Velocity to Evaluate the Effect of Botulinum Toxin on Post-Stroke Spasticity of the Lower Limb

(1) Background: The evaluation of muscles with spasticity using ultrasound elastography has attracted attention recently, and the shear wave velocity (SWV) technique can measure the mechanical properties of tissues objectively and quantitatively. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of using SWV to assess the effect of Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) treatment in adult patients with post-stroke lower limb spasticity. (2) Methods: We assessed the modified Ashworth Scale, the modified Tardieu Scale, and SWV at rest and after stretching before and at 1 month after BoNT-A treatment in 10 adult participants with post-stroke lower limb spasticity. (3) Results: Significant changes in SWV of the ankle joint in maximum dorsiflexion to the extent possible (SWV stretched) were observed after BoNT-A treatment. SWV stretched was positively correlated with joint range of motion. Participants whose joint range of motion did not improve (i.e., gastrocnemius medialis muscle (GCM) extension distance did not change) had significantly more reductions in SWV stretched after BoNT-A treatment. (4) Conclusions: Our results suggest that the SWV measurements may serve as a quantitative assessment to determine the effect of the BoNT-A treatment in adult stroke patients. SWV measurements to assess GCM spasticity should consider the effects of tension, material properties and activation level of muscles. The challenge is to measure SWV with matching limb positions in patients without contractures.

IncobotulinumtoxinA Injection for Treating Children with Idiopathic Toe Walking: A Retrospective Efficacy and Safety Study

There is no gold-standard treatment for idiopathic toe walking (ITW). Some previous evidence suggested that botulinum neurotoxin-A injection might improve ITW. This is a single-center retrospective study on children with ITW treated with incobotulinumtoxinA injection in the gastrocnemius medialis/lateralis muscles. We screened the charts of 97 ITW children treated with incobotulinumtoxinA (January 2019-December 2021), and the data of 28 of them, who satisfied the inclusion/exclusion criteria, were analyzed. The maximal passive ankle dorsiflexion (knee extended) was assessed at three time points, i.e., immediately before incobotulinumtoxinA injection (T0), after incobotulinumtoxinA injection during the timeframe of its effect (T1), and at follow-up, when the effect was expected to disappear (T2). The maximal passive ankle dorsiflexion was improved by incobotulinumtoxinA injection, and the effect lasted up to 6 months in some children. No adverse effects were reported to incobotulinumtoxinA injections. The treatment with incobotulinumtoxinA might improve the maximal passive ankle dorsiflexion and is safe and well-tolerated in ITW with a longer-than-expected effect in comparison to cerebral palsy. These results may offer ground to future randomized controlled trials and studies assessing the effect of BoNT-A in combination with other non-invasive approaches and exercise programs in children with ITW.

AbobotulinumtoxinA Doses in Upper and Lower Limb Spasticity: A Systematic Literature Review

Disabling limb spasticity can result from stroke, traumatic brain injury or other disorders causing upper motor neuron lesions such as multiple sclerosis. Clinical studies have shown that abobotulinumtoxinA (AboBoNT-A) therapy reduces upper and lower limb spasticity in adults. However, physicians may administer potentially inadequate doses, given the lack of consensus on adjusting dose according to muscle volume, the wide dose ranges in the summary of product characteristics or cited in the published literature, and/or the high quantity of toxin available for injection. Against this background, a systematic literature review based on searches of MEDLINE and Embase (via Ovid SP) and three relevant conferences (2018 to 2020) was conducted in November 2020 to examine AboBoNT-A doses given to adults for upper or lower limb muscles affected by spasticity of any etiology in clinical and real-world evidence studies. From the 1781 unique records identified from the electronic databases and conference proceedings screened, 49 unique studies represented across 56 publications (53 full-text articles, 3 conference abstracts) were eligible for inclusion. Evidence from these studies suggested that AboBoNT-A dose given per muscle in clinical practice varies considerably, with only a slight trend toward a relationship between dose and muscle volume. Expert-based consensus is needed to inform recommendations for standardizing AboBoNT-A treatment initiation doses based on muscle volume.

The Short-Term Impact of Botulinum Neurotoxin-A on Muscle Morphology and Gait in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) are often treated with intramuscular Botulinum Neurotoxin type-A (BoNT-A). Recent studies demonstrated BoNT-A-induced muscle atrophy and variable effects on gait pathology. This group-matched controlled study in children with SCP compared changes in muscle morphology 8-10 weeks post-BoNT-A treatment (n = 25, median age 6.4 years, GMFCS level I/II/III (14/9/2)) to morphological changes of an untreated control group (n = 20, median age 7.6 years, GMFCS level I/II/III (14/5/1)). Additionally, the effects on gait and spasticity were assessed in all treated children and a subgroup (n = 14), respectively. BoNT-A treatment was applied following an established integrated approach. Gastrocnemius and semitendinosus volume and echogenicity intensity were assessed by 3D-freehand ultrasound, spasticity was quantified through electromyography during passive muscle stretches at different velocities. Ankle and knee kinematics were evaluated by 3D-gait analysis. Medial gastrocnemius (p = 0.018, -5.2%) and semitendinosus muscle volume (p = 0.030, -16.2%) reduced post-BoNT-A, but not in the untreated control group, while echogenicity intensity did not change. Spasticity reduced and ankle gait kinematics significantly improved, combined with limited effects on knee kinematics. This study demonstrated that BoNT-A reduces spasticity and partly improves pathological gait but reduces muscle volume 8-10 weeks post-injections. Close post-BoNT-A follow-up and well-considered treatment selection is advised before BoNT-A application in SCP.

Triceps Surae Muscle Characteristics in Spastic Hemiparetic Stroke Survivors Treated with Botulinum Toxin Type A: Clinical Implications from Ultrasonographic Evaluation

Equinovarus foot is one of the most commonly spasticity related conditions in stroke survivors, leading to an impaired gait and poor functional performances. Notably, spastic muscles undergo a dynamic evolution following typical pathophysiological patterns. Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A (BoNT-A) is the gold standard for focal spasticity treatment, and ultrasound (US) imaging is widely recommended to guide injections and monitor muscle evolution. The role of BoNT-A in influencing muscle fibroadipose degeneration is still unclear. In this study, we analyzed medial gastrocnemius (MG) and soleus (SOL) US characteristics (cross-sectional area, muscle thickness, pennation angle, and mean echo intensity) in 53 patients. MG and SOL alterations, compared to the unaffected side, depend on the spasticity only and not on the BoNT-A treatment. In functionally preserved patients (functional ambulation classification, FAC > 3; modified Ashworth scale, MAS ≤ 2), the ultrasonographic changes of MG compared to ipsilateral SOL observed in the paretic limb alone seems to be due to histological, anatomical, pathophysiological, and biomechanical differences between the two muscles. In subjects with poor walking capability and more severe spasticity, such ipsilateral difference was found in both calves. In conclusion, BoNT-A does not seem to influence muscle degeneration. Similar muscles undergo different evolution depending on the grade of walking deficit and spasticity.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Three Approaches for Botulinum Toxin Injection into Tibialis Posterior Muscle in Chronic Stroke Patients with Equinovarus Foot: An Observational Study

Spastic equinovarus (SEV) foot deformity is commonly observed in patients with post-stroke spasticity. Tibialis posterior (TP) is a common target for botulinum toxin type-A (BoNT-A) injection, as a first-line treatment in non-fixed SEV deformity. For this deep muscle, ultrasonographic guidance is crucial to achieving maximum accuracy for the BoNT-A injection. In current clinical practice, there are three approaches to target the TP: an anterior, a posteromedial, and a posterior. To date, previous studies have failed to identify the best approach for needle insertion into TP. To explore the ultrasonographic characteristics of these approaches, we investigated affected and unaffected legs of 25 stroke patients with SEV treated with BoNT-A. We evaluated the qualitative (echo intensity) and quantitative (muscle depth, muscle thickness, overlying muscle, subcutaneous tissue, cross-sectional area) ultrasound characteristics of the three approaches for TP injection. In our sample, we observed significant differences among almost all the parameters of the three approaches, except for the safety window. Moreover, our analysis showed significant differences in cross-sectional area between treated and untreated. Advantages and disadvantages of each approach were investigated. Our findings can thus provide a suitable reference for clinical settings, especially for novice operators.

Botulinum Toxin a Injection Combined with Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: Shear Wave Sonoelastographic Findings in the Medial Gastrocnemius Muscle, Preliminary Study

Therapeutic strategies to boost the effect of botulinum toxin may lead to some advantages, such as long lasting effects, the injection of lower botulinum toxin dosages, fewer side effects, and lower costs. The aim of this study is to investigate the combined effect of botulinum toxin A (BTA) injection and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for the treatment of spasticity in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Fifteen patients with spastic CP were recruited through a retrospective chart review to clarify what treatment they received. All patients received a BTA injection on gastrocnemius muscle (GCM), and patients in group 1 underwent one ESWT session for the GCM immediately after BTA injection and two consecutive ESWT sessions at weekly intervals. Ankle plantar flexor and the passive range of motion (PROM) of ankle dorsiflexion were measured by a modified Ashworth scale (MAS) before treatment and at 1 and 3 month(s) post-treatment. In group 1, the shear wave velocity (SWV) of GCM was measured. The PROM and MAS in group 1 and 2 before treatment significantly improved at 1 and 3 month(s) after treatment. The change in PROM was significantly different between the two groups at 1 and 3 month(s) after treatment. The SWV before treatment significantly decreased at 1 month and 3 months after treatment in group 1. Our study has shown that the combination of BTA injection and ESWT would be effective at controlling spasticity in children with spastic CP, with sustained improvement at 3 months after treatment.

Contribution of Single-Fiber Evaluation on Monitoring Outcomes Following Injection of Botulinum Toxin-A: A Narrative Review of the Literature

Botulinum toxin-A (BoNT-A) blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and is widely used for neuromuscular disorders (involuntary spasms, dystonic disorders and spasticity). However, its therapeutic effects are usually measured by clinical scales of questionable validity. Single-fiber electromyography (SFEMG) is a sensitive, validated diagnostic technique for NMJ impairment such as myasthenia. The jitter parameter (µs) represents the variability of interpotential intervals of two muscle fibers from the same motor unit. This narrative review reports SFEMG use in BoNT-A treatment. Twenty-four articles were selected from 175 eligible articles searched in Medline/Pubmed and Cochrane Library from their creation until May 2020. The results showed that jitter is sensitive to early NMJ modifications following BoNT-A injection, with an increase in the early days’ post-injection and a peak between Day 15 and 30, when symptoms diminish or disappear. The reappearance of symptoms accompanies a tendency for a decrease in jitter, but always precedes its normalization, either delayed or nonexistent. Increased jitter is observed in distant muscles from the injection site. No dose effect relationship was demonstrated. SFEMG could help physicians in their therapeutic evaluation according to the pathology considered. More data are needed to consider jitter as a predictor of BoNT-A clinical efficacy.

Ergonomic Recommendations in Ultrasound-Guided Botulinum Neurotoxin Chemodenervation for Spasticity: An International Expert Group Opinion

Ultrasound (US)-guided botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injections are becoming a mainstay in the treatment of muscle spasticity in upper motor neuron syndromes. As a result, there has been a commensurate increase in US-guided BoNT injection for spasticity training courses. However, many of these courses do not emphasize the importance of ergonomics. This paper aims to highlight the importance of ultrasound ergonomics and presents ergonomic recommendations to optimize US-guided BoNT injection techniques in spasticity management. Expert consensus opinion of 11 physicians (4 different continents; representing 8 countries, with an average of 12.6 years of practice using US guidance for BoNT chemodenervation (range 3 to 22 years)). A search using PubMed, College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia database, EMbase was conducted and found no publications relating the importance of ergonomics in US-guided chemodenervation. Therefore, recommendations and consensus discussions were generated from the distribution of a 20-question survey to a panel of 11 ultrasound experts. All 11 surveyed physicians considered ergonomics to be important in reducing physician injury. There was complete agreement that physician positioning was important; 91% agreement that patient positioning was important; and 82% that ultrasound machine positioning was important. Factors that did not reach our 80% threshold for consensus were further discussed. Four categories were identified as being important when implementing ultrasound ergonomics for BoNT chemodenervation for spasticity; workstation, physician, patient and visual ergonomics. Optimizing ergonomics is paramount when performing US-guided BoNT chemodenervation for spasticity management. This includes proper preparation of the workspace and allowing for sufficient pre-injection time to optimally position both the patient and the physician. Lack of awareness of ergonomics for US-guided BoNT chemodenervation for spasticity may lead to suboptimal patient outcomes, increase work-related injuries, and patient discomfort. We propose key elements for optimal positioning of physicians and patients, as well as the optimal setup of the workspace and provide clinical pearls in visual identification of spastic muscles for chemodenervation.

BoNT-A for Post-Stroke Spasticity: Guidance on Unmet Clinical Needs from a Delphi Panel Approach

There is extensive literature supporting the efficacy of botulinum toxin (BoNT-A) for the treatment of post-stroke spasticity, however, there remain gaps in the routine management of patients with post-stroke spasticity. A panel of 21 Italian experts was selected to participate in this web-based survey Delphi process to provide guidance that can support clinicians in the decision-making process. There was a broad consensus among physicians that BoNT-A intervention should be administered as soon as the spasticity interferes with the patients' clinical condition. Patients monitoring is needed over time, a follow-up of 4-6 weeks is considered necessary. Furthermore, physicians agreed that treatment should be offered irrespective of the duration of the spasticity. The Delphi consensus also stressed the importance of patient-centered goals in order to satisfy the clinical needs of the patient regardless of time of onset or duration of spasticity. The findings arising from this Delphi process provide insights into the unmet needs in managing post-stroke spasticity from the clinician's perspective and provides guidance for physicians for the utilization of BoNT-A for the treatment of post-stroke spasticity in daily practice.

Reliability of quantitative ultrasound measurement of flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus muscles in stroke

Aim: This study aims to investigate reliability of quantitative ultrasound measurement of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) muscles in stroke. Materials & methods: Patients with a history of stroke were recruited. FDP and FDS muscles on both upper extremities were investigated with ultrasound. Two independent assessors acquired images and analyzed them using a program and Heckmatt scale. Results: Forty-eight patients were included. The inter-rater intraclass correlation coefficient for echo intensities was calculated as 0.91 while intrarater intraclass correlation coefficient as 0.80. For Heckmatt scale, the inter-rater reliability for FDS was Kw = 0.74 (p < 0.0005) and for FDP it was Kw = 0.73 (p < 0.0005). Mean echo intensity values showed significant strong correlations with Heckmatt scores (r = 0.663 and r = 0.633 with both p values <0.001). Conclusion: Quantitative ultrasound imaging of FDS and FDP is a reliable method to demonstrate echo intensity changes of muscles in stroke.

Does Botulinum Toxin Treatment Affect the Ultrasonographic Characteristics of Post-Stroke Spastic Equinus? A Retrospective Pilot Study

Equinovarus/equinus foot is a pattern most commonly treated with botulinum toxin type A in patients with post-stroke spasticity involving the lower limbs; the gastrocnemius is the muscle most frequently injected. Spastic equinovarus/equinus can present a mixture of conditions, including spasticity, muscle/tendon shortening, muscle weakness and imbalance. In this study, we wanted to determine whether botulinum toxin treatment affects the ultrasonographic characteristics of post-stroke spastic equinus. The same dose of AbobotulinumtoxinA was injected into the gastrocnemius medialis and lateralis of 21 chronic stroke patients with spastic equinus. Clinical (Ashworth scale and ankle range of motion) and ultrasound (conventional and sonoelastography) evaluation of the treated leg was carried out before and 4 weeks after injection. No significant effects of botulinum toxin treatment on the ultrasonographic characteristics of spastic equinus were observed. As expected, there were significant improvements in ankle passive dorsiflexion range of motion and calf muscle spasticity at 1 month after treatment. There was a direct association between Achilles tendon elasticity and calf muscle spasticity at baseline evaluation. Larger studies with a long-term timeline of serial evaluations are needed to further investigate the possible effects of botulinum toxin injection on spastic muscle characteristics in patients with post-stroke spasticity.

[Proposal for approach to selective tibial nerve block in spastic patient. A propos of a case]

The most frequent pattern of spasticity in the lower limb is equinovarus foot. Patients with central nervous system injury and severe spasticity, conservative treatment and botulinum toxin type A often have a limited effect. In these cases, nerve blocks can be very useful in deciding our therapeutic action. We present a clinical case as an example of a new ultrasound-guided approach to tibial nerve block, as this is the main nerve involved in equinovarus foot pattern, specific for spastic patients and its usefulness for the clinical management of spasticity.

Rectus Femoris Characteristics in Post Stroke Spasticity: Clinical Implications from Ultrasonographic Evaluation

In stroke survivors, rectus femoris (RF) spasticity is often implicated in gait pattern alterations such as stiff knee gait (SKG). Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) is considered the gold standard for focal spasticity treatment. However—even if the accuracy of injection is crucial for BoNT-A efficacy—instrumented guidance for BoNT-A injection is not routinely applied in clinical settings. In order to investigate the possible implications of an inadequate BoNT-A injection on patients’ clinical outcome, we evaluated the ultrasound-derived RF characteristics (muscle depth, muscle thickness, cross-sectional area and mean echo intensity) in 47 stroke survivors. In our sample, we observed wide variability of RF depth in both hemiparetic and unaffected side of included patients (0.44 and 3.54 cm and between 0.25 and 3.16 cm, respectively). Moreover, our analysis did not show significant differences between treated and non-treated RF in stroke survivors. These results suggest that considering the inter-individual variability in RF muscle depth and thickness, injection guidance should be considered for BoNT-A treatment in order to optimize the clinical outcome of treated patients. In particular, ultrasound guidance may help the clinicians in the long-term follow-up of muscle quality.

Reliability and Validity of the Modified Heckmatt Scale in Evaluating Muscle Changes With Ultrasound in Spasticity

Objectives

To determine the reliability and validity of the Modified Heckmatt scale in assessing muscle echotexture in spasticity.

Design

Prospective, observational, 2-center study. Two residents and 2 ultrasound experienced staff physicians each rated 100 ultrasound images that were also analyzed using quantitative gray-scale.

Setting

Academic ambulatory spasticity clinic.

Participants

Participants (N=50) included 45 patients with upper or lower extremity spasticity and 5 healthy references.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Modified Heckmatt scale ratings and quantitative gray-scale scores

Results

Inter- and intra-rater intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.76 and 0.81, respectively (P<.001), indicating good to excellent reliability. A significant relationship was found between Modified Heckmatt scores and quantitative gray-scale scores (r=0.829; P<.001).

Conclusions

The Modified Heckmatt scale demonstrated good reliability and validity to assess the pathologic muscle changes that occur in patients with spasticity.

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Spasticity can alter muscle architecture as viewed with ultrasound.

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Spastic muscles can show increased echointensity (EI).

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Spastic muscles with increased EI may respond less favorably to botulinum toxin.

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Muscle EI can be quantified using the Modified Heckmatt scale.

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The Modified Heckmatt scale demonstrated good reliability and validity.

Effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy on muscle spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy: meta-analysis and systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Recently, clinical trials have been performed to evaluate the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). However, various studies adopted different clinical scales, making it insufficient to draw a definite conclusion about the efficacy of ESWT in reducing spasticity after cerebral palsy. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the effects of ESWT on reducing spasticity after applying ESWT in patients with CP.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

In accordance with the PRISMA statement, authors searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Scopus from their inception dates through December 11th 2018. We included randomised controlled trials in any language that using ESWT for the purpose of ameliorating spasticity in patients with CP. We assessed spasticity measured by modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), range of motion (ROM) and baropodometric values as outcomes.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Two authors independently extracted and verified data. Meta-analysis was completed where possible, otherwise data were synthesised narratively. From a total of 206 articles, 16 manuscripts were selected and 5 of them were ultimately included in this meta-analysis. MAS grade as primary outcome was significantly improved after ESWT compared to that in the control group (mean difference [MD]: -0.62; 95% CI: -1.52 to -0.18). ROM after ESWT was also significantly improved compared to that in the control groups (MD: 18.01; 95% CI: 6.11 to 29.91). Baropodometric measures showed significantly increases in foot contact area during gait (SMD: 29.00; 95% CI: 11.08 to 46.92), but not significantly in peak pressure under the heel (MD: 15.12; 95% CI: -1.85 to 32.10) immediately after ESWT.

CONCLUSIONS

No serious side effects were observed in any patient after ESWT. ESWT may be a valid alternative to existing treatment options targeting spasticity diminishment and ROM improvement in CP patients to maintain healthy lifestyles and normalize spastic gait pattern. Further standardization of treatment protocols including treatment intervals and intensities needs to be established and long-term follow-up studies are needed to verify our results.

Spasticity and Range of Motion Over Time in Stroke Patients Who Received Multiple-Dose Botulinum Toxin Therapy

OBJECTIVE

This study examined how the effects of botulinum toxin therapy changed over time by sequential evaluation of clinical improvements in spasticity and contracture in 24 chronic-stage stroke patients on repeated botulinum toxin therapy who were receiving fewer rehabilitation interventions.

METHODS

Botulinum toxin injection was administered into the spastic muscle of the paralyzed upper or lower limb 5 times with at least 3-month intervals. Modified Ashworth Scale and range of motion were measured before and 2 weeks after each dose in the extremities to compare the first measurement value with subsequent values. Each predose value was also compared with the first predose value.

RESULTS

Compared with predose scores, Modified Ashworth Scale significantly improved in all flexors after 2 weeks from the first to fifth doses. Range of motion significantly improved in wrist dorsiflexion and ankle dorsiflexion. Comparison of values before each dose versus the first predose value showed significant improvement both in the Modified Ashworth Scale score of wrist flexors, finger flexors, and ankle planter flexors, and the range of motion of elbow extension, wrist dorsiflexion, and ankle dorsiflexion.

CONCLUSION

The comparison of predose values versus 2-week postdose values indicated that the effect of botulinum toxin formulation would not lessen after repeated injections with continuous improvements of Modified Ashworth Scale and range of motion. The comparison of predose values versus the first predose value also suggested that multiple injections of botulinum toxin formulation could be more effective in reducing spasticity and increasing the range of motion than a single injection.

Botulinum Toxin Type A for the Treatment of Lower Limb Spasticity after Stroke

Post-stroke lower limb spasticity impairs balance and gait leading to reduced walking speed, often increasing wheelchair use and caregiver burden. Several studies have shown that appropriate treatments for lower limb spasticity after stroke include injections of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A), phenol or alcohol, surgical correction and a rehabilitation program. In the present article, we review the safety and effectiveness of BoNT-A for the treatment of lower limb spasticity after stroke, with a focus on higher doses of BoNT-A. The cumulative body of evidence coming from the randomized clinical trials and open-label studies selected in the article suggest BoNT-A to be safe and efficacious in reducing lower limb spasticity after stroke. Studies of high doses of BoNT-A also showed a greater reduction of severe post-stroke spasticity. In stroke survivors with spasticity of the ankle plantar-flexor muscles, a combined approach between surgery and BoNT-A can be indicated. However, controversy remains about improvement in motor function relative to post-stroke spasticity reduction after BoNT-A treatment.

Medial gastrocnemius volume and echo-intensity after botulinum neurotoxin A interventions in children with spastic cerebral palsy

AIM

This cross-sectional investigation evaluated whether recurrent botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT-A) interventions to the medial gastrocnemius have an influence on muscle morphology, beyond Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level.

METHOD

A cohort of typically developing children (n=67; 43 males, 24 females; median age 9y 11mo [range 7y 10mo-11y 6mo]), a cohort of children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) naive to BoNT-A interventions (No-BoNT-A; n=19; 10 males, nine females; median age 9y 3mo [range 8y 5mo-10y 10mo]) and a cohort of children with spastic CP with a minimum of three recurrent BoNT-A interventions to the medial gastrocnemius (BoNT-A; n=19; 13 males, six females; median age 9y 8mo [range 7y 3mo-10y 7mo]) were recruited. Three-dimensional freehand ultrasound was used to estimate medial gastrocnemius volume normalized to body mass and echo-intensity.

RESULTS

Normalized medial gastrocnemius volume and echo-intensity significantly differed between the two spastic CP cohorts (p≤0.05), with the BoNT-A cohort having larger alterations. Associations between normalized medial gastrocnemius volume and echo-intensity were highest in the No-BoNT-A cohort, followed by the BoNT-A cohort. Multiple regression analyses revealed that both GMFCS level and BoNT-A intervention history were significantly associated with smaller normalized medial gastrocnemius volume and higher echo-intensity.

INTERPRETATION

Recurrent BoNT-A interventions may induce alterations to medial gastrocnemius volume and echo-intensity beyond the natural history of the spastic CP pathology.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

In spastic cerebral palsy, medial gastrocnemius volumes are smaller and echo-intensities higher compared with typical development. Alterations after botulinum neurotoxin A intervention (BoNT-A) are larger than in no BoNT-A intervention. Gross Motor Function Classification System level and BoNT-A history significantly associate with medial gastrocnemius and echo-intensity alterations.

Usefulness of a Qualitative Ultrasound Evaluation of the Gastrocnemius-Soleus Complex with the Heckmatt Scale for Clinical Practice in Cerebral Palsy

Ultrasound is increasingly used for the evaluation of spastic muscles in cerebral palsy. Increased echo intensity is considered indicative of a muscle fibrous involution. The aim of this study was to highlight any correlation between increased echo intensity of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex and clinical tests for stiffness evaluation, age and functional level measured with the Gross Motor Function Classification System. We used the qualitative echo intensity grading system of the Heckmatt scale (HS) and tested its inter-rater reliability. The study group comprised 60 patients with cerebral palsy. We found a weak significant correlation between HS scores and clinical stiffness measures and between HS and age for all muscles studied, and between the HS and Gross Motor Function Classification System only for the soleus muscle. The study indicated moderate inter-rater reliability, with κ values between 0.60 and 0.73, for almost all muscles studied. Ultrasound provides a useful complementary survey of stiffness tests in cerebral palsy.

Extracorporeal Shock Waves Versus Botulinum Toxin Type A in the Treatment of Poststroke Upper Limb Spasticity: A Randomized Noninferiority Trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is noninferior to botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) for the treatment of poststroke upper limb spasticity.

DESIGN

Randomized noninferiority trial.

SETTING

Referral medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (N=42) with chronic stroke (28 men; mean age, 61.0±10.6y).

INTERVENTIONS

Patients received either ESWT or BoNT-A. During the study period, all patients continued their regular rehabilitation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Assessments were performed at baseline and at 1, 4, and 8 weeks after the intervention. The primary outcome was the change from baseline of the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) score of the wrist flexors at week 4. Secondary outcomes included the change of the MAS scores, Tardieu angles of the wrist and elbow flexors, wrist and elbow passive range of motion (PROM), and upper extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (UE-FMA) score during the study period, as well as the treatment response rate.

RESULTS

The primary outcome result in the ESWT group (-0.80±0.41) was similar to that in the BoNT-A group (-0.90±0.44), with a higher confidence limit (0.4) for the difference between groups within the prespecified margin of 0.5, indicating the noninferiority of ESWT to BoNT-A. The response rate was not significantly different between the 2 groups. Both groups showed significant improvement in secondary outcomes relative to baseline; however, the ESWT group yielded greater improvement in wrist and elbow PROM and UE-FMA score.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that ESWT is a noninferior treatment alternative to BoNT-A for poststroke upper limb spasticity. ESWT and BoNT-A caused similar reduction in spasticity of the wrist and elbow flexors; however, ESWT yielded greater improvement in wrist and elbow PROM and UE-FMA score.

Electrodiagnostic and nerve ultrasonographic features in upper limb spasticity: an observational study

To better understand the effects of spasticity on peripheral nerves, we evaluated the electrodiagnostic and nerve ultrasonographic features of the median and ulnar nerves in adults with upper limb spasticity. Twenty chronic stroke patients with spastic hemiparesis underwent nerve conduction study and nerve ultrasonography of the median and ulnar nerves at both upper limbs. Affected versus unaffected upper limb comparisons showed significant differences in the median and ulnar nerve distal motor latencies, compound muscle action potentials and F-wave minimal latencies. Furthermore, we observed a significantly greater median nerve crosssectional area at the elbow of the affected upper limb compared with the unaffected one. Our findings confirmed electrodiagnostic asymmetries and nerve ultrasonographic abnormalities in the affected versus the unaffected upper limb after stroke. Slight changes in lower motor neuron activity and spasticity might contribute to these alterations.

The Effect of Functional Stretching Exercises on Neural and Mechanical Properties of the Spastic Medial Gastrocnemius Muscle in Patients with Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Following spasticity, neural and mechanical changes of the paretic muscle often occur, which affect the muscle function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of functional stretching exercises on neural and mechanical properties of the spastic muscle in patients with stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was a single-blinded, randomized control trial. Forty five patients with stroke (experimental group: n = 30; control group: n = 15) participated in this study. Subjects in the experimental group participated in a functional stretching program 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Subjects in both groups were evaluated before the training, at the end of training, and then during a 2-month follow-up. Neural properties, including H-reflex latency and Hmax/Mmax ratio, were acquired. Mechanical properties, including fascicle length, pennation angle, and muscle thickness in the spastic medial gastrocnemius muscle, were evaluated. Repeated measure analysis of variance was used in the analysis.

RESULTS

Time by group interaction in the pennation angle (P = .006), and in muscle thickness (P = .030) was significant. The results indicated that the H-reflex latency (P = .006), pennation angle (P < .001), and muscle thickness (P = .001) were altered after stretching training program and these changes were at significant level after 2-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that the use of functional stretching exercises can cause significant differences in neural and mechanical properties of spastic medial gastrocnemius muscle in patients with chronic stroke.

Quantitative 3-D Ultrasound of the Medial Gastrocnemius Muscle in Children with Unilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Three-dimensional ultrasound (3-DUS) was used to examine the size and appearance of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP). Twenty-six children with CP and 10 typically developing (TD) children participated. Three-dimensional US images of both limbs in children with CP and the right limb in TD children were analysed using quantitative methods to determine muscle volume, global echo intensity, global echo pattern and regional echo intensity. Significant differences in MG volume and all echo parameters were found between TD and CP children. The more involved limb was smaller and had higher echo intensity and a more heterogenous echo pattern compared with the TD group. Compared with that of the more involved limb, the MG of the less involved limb was larger but had a similar echo appearance. The MG of both limbs in children with unilateral spastic CP is smaller and, based on quantitative ultrasound, structurally different from that of TD children.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Botulinum Toxin Injection Site for the Medial Approach to Tibialis Posterior Muscle in Chronic Stroke Patients with Spastic Equinovarus Foot: An Observational Study

The tibialis posterior muscle is a frequent target for injection of botulinum toxin during the management of spastic equinovarus foot in adults with post-stroke spasticity. Although it is deep-seated, the needle insertion into the tibialis posterior muscle is usually performed using anatomical landmarks and safety information obtained from healthy subjects and cadavers. Our aim was to evaluate the botulinum toxin injection site for the medial approach to the tibialis posterior muscle in chronic stroke patients with spastic equinovarus foot. Forty-six patients were evaluated at the affected middle lower leg medial surface with ultrasonography according to the following parameters: tibialis posterior muscle depth, thickness, and echo intensity. As to the spastic tibialis posterior, we found a mean muscle depth of 26.5 mm and a mean muscle thickness of 10.1 mm. Furthermore we observed a median tibialis posterior muscle echo intensity of 3.00 on the Heckmatt scale. The tibialis posterior muscle thickness was found to be inversely associated with its depth (p < 0.001) and echo intensity (p = 0.006). Furthermore, tibialis posterior muscle depth was found to be directly associated with its echo intensity (p = 0.004). Our findings may usefully inform manual needle placement into the tibialis posterior for the botulinum toxin treatment of spastic equinovarus foot in chronic stroke patients.

Effects of botulinum toxin A therapy and multidisciplinary rehabilitation on lower limb spasticity classified by spastic muscle echo intensity in post-stroke patients

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the present study was to investigate retrospectively the relationship between botulinum toxin type A plus multidisciplinary rehabilitation and muscle echo intensity in post-stroke patients with spasticity. The primary aim was to investigate whether the effects of the intervention on the improvement of spasticity depend on muscle echo intensity, and the secondary aim was to investigate whether the motor function of the lower limbs depends on muscle echo intensity.

METHODS

A 12-day inpatient protocol was designed for 102 post-stroke patients with spasticity due to lower limb paralysis. Muscle echo intensity of the triceps surae muscle was measured by ultrasonography, and the patients were categorized into four groups based on Heckmatt scale grades (Grades I-IV).

RESULTS

All four groups classified by the Heckmatt scale showed significant pre-to-post-intervention differences in the knee and ankle modified Ashworth scale scores (p < 0.05). Grades I-III patient groups showed a significant improvement in lower limb motor function following intervention. Grade IV patients did not show a significant improvement in lower limb motor function.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed significant improvements in the modified Ashworth scale scores after botulinum toxin type A and multidisciplinary rehabilitation therapy on post-stroke patients with spasticity. Although patients with lower muscle echo intensity demonstrated improvements in motor function, the improvement was poor in those with higher muscle echo intensity.

Is spasticity always the same? An observational study comparing the features of spastic equinus foot in patients with chronic stroke and multiple sclerosis

Spasticity is common in stroke and multiple sclerosis. To treat spasticity we have a wide range of interventions, whose application may depend not only on the severity of spasticity but also on its etiology. Consequently, a better understanding of muscle spasticity in different neurological diseases may inform clinicians as to the more appropriate therapeutic approach. Our aim was to compare the clinical and ultrasonographic features of spastic equinus in patients with chronic stroke and multiple sclerosis. Thirty-eight patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis and 38 chronic stroke patients with spastic equinus were evaluated at the affected ankle according to the following outcomes: modified Ashworth scale, Tardieu scale, passive range of motion, spastic gastrocnemius muscle echo intensity and thickness. Affected calf muscles tone was significantly greater in patients with chronic stroke (modified Ashworth scale P=0.008; Tardieu scale angle P=0.004) as well as spastic gastrocnemius muscle echo intensity (P<0.001). Affected ankle range of motion was significantly greater in patients with multiple sclerosis (P<0.001) as well as spastic gastrocnemius muscle thickness (medialis: P=0.003; lateralis: P=0.004). Our findings evidenced that the same pattern of spasticity (equinus foot) has some different features according to its etiology. This may help the management of spasticity.

Sonographic and clinical effects of botulinum toxin Type A combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy on spastic muscles of children with cerebral palsy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the combined sonographic and clinical effects of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) versus BoNT-A alone in children with cerebral palsy.

METHODS

Ten children with spastic cerebral palsy were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group 1 received BoNT-A injection into the spastic muscles of the affected limbs plus three ESWT sessions. Group 2 received BoNT-A alone. Assessment was performed before and 1 month after injection. Sonographic outcomes were injected muscles echo intensity and their hardness percentage, and clinical outcomes the modified Ashworth scale and the Tardieu scale.

RESULTS

At 1-month evaluation, significant differences in the injected muscles percentage of hardness (P = 0.021) and the modified Ashworth scale (P = 0.001) were found between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the hypothesis that the combined effects of BoNT-A and ESWT derive from their respective action on neurological and non-neural rheological components in spastic muscles.

Assessing the immediate impact of botulinum toxin injection on impedance of spastic muscle

This study aimed to investigate the immediate impacts of Botulinum Toxin A (BoNT-A) injections on the inherent electrical properties of spastic muscles using a newly developed electrical impedance myography (EIM) technique. Impedance measures were performed before and after a BoNT-A injection in biceps brachii muscles of 14 subjects with spasticity. Three major impedance variables, resistance (R), reactance (X) and phase angle (θ) were obtained from three different configurations, and were evaluated using the conventional EIM frequency at 50kHz as well as multiple frequency analysis. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant decrease of resistance in the injected muscles (Multiple-frequency: R_pre=25.17±1.94Ohm, R_post=23.65±1.63Ohm, p<0.05; 50kHz: R_pre=29.06±2.16Ohm, R_post=27.7±1.89Ohm, p<0.05). Despite this decrease, there were no substantial changes in the reactance, phase angle, or anisotropy features after a BoNT-A injection. The significant changes of muscle resistance were most likely associated with the liquid injection of the BoNT-A-saline solution rather than the immediate toxin effects on the muscle. This study demonstrated high sensitivity of the EIM technique in the detection of alterations to muscle composition.

Longitudinal follow-up of muscle echotexture in infants with congenital muscular torticollis

Unilateral fibrous contracture of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is the major pathophysiology in infants with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). Physical examination is not always sufficient to detect minimal muscle fibrosis in involved SCM muscles.A prospective study for SCM muscle fibrosis in CMT infants by quantifying echotexture and muscle thickness during the course of treatment is highlighted in the study.Convenience samples of 21 female and 29 male infants with CMT, who were 1 to 12 months old, underwent physiotherapy for at least 3 months and were followed for 4.7 ± 0.4 months. All infants had at least 2 clinical assessments and ultrasonographic examinations for bilateral SCM muscles during follow-up. The K value, derived from the difference in echo intensities between the involved and uninvolved SCM muscles on longitudinal sonograms, was used to represent the severity of muscle fibrosis. Bilateral SCM muscle thickness and ratio of involved to uninvolved muscle thickness (Ratio I/U) were obtained simultaneously. Clinical outcome was also recorded.No subjects underwent surgical intervention during follow-up. The K value decreased from 6.85 ± 0.58 to 1.30 ± 0.36 at the end of follow-up (P < 0.001), which reflected the decrease of muscle fibrosis. The Ratio I/U decreased from 1.11 ± 0.04 to 0.97 ± 0.02 during treatment, which was possibly related to the increased uninvolved SCM muscle thickness.In conclusion, echotexture is an efficient indicator for reflecting a wide degree of muscle fibrosis in infants with CMT and is informative during the treatment course.

Efficacy of two injection-site localisation techniques for botulinum toxin injections: a single-blind, crossover, randomised trial protocol among adults with hemiplegia due to stroke

INTRODUCTION

Botulinum toxin injections are an effective treatment for limb spasticity following stroke. Different tracking techniques are used for this purpose: palpation, electrostimulation, electromyography and ultrasound. Yet very few studies have compared these different techniques, and none has successfully proved the superior efficacy of ultrasound-guided injections compared to another tracking method. The primary objective of our study was therefore to compare the efficacy of botulinum toxin injections depending on the tracking technique used: ultrasound versus electrostimulation.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a clinical, single-centre, prospective, interventional, single-blind, crossover, randomised trial. In total, 30 patients aged between 18 and 80 years presenting with triceps surae spasticity (evaluated >1 on the modified Ashworth scale) associated with hemiplegia sequelae due to stroke will be included. The patients will be selected among those who attend for consultation the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital. One group will receive the abobotulinumtoxinA (BoNT-A) injection guided by electrostimulation then ultrasound, and the second group's botulinum toxin injections will be guided by ultrasound then electrostimulation. For each patient, the duration of study participation is 5 months. The primary end point is variation in passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion at slow and high speeds (Tardieu scale) with the knee straight.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study received ethics approval form the CPP of Rhônes-Alpes region. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01935544; pre-results.

Combined effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) on robot-assisted gait training in patients with chronic stroke: A pilot, double blind, randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Preliminary evidence has shown no additional effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on robotic gait training in chronic stroke, probably due to the neural organization of locomotion involving cortical and spinal control. Our aim was to compare the combined effects of tDCS and transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) on robotic gait training in chronic stroke.

METHODS

Thirty chronic stroke patients received ten 20-minute robot-assisted gait training sessions, five days a week, for 2 consecutive weeks combined with anodal tDCS + sham tsDCS (group 1; n = 10) or sham tDCS + cathodal tsDCS (group 2; n = 10) or tDCS + cathodal tsDCS (group 3; n = 10). The primary outcome was the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) performed before, after, 2 weeks and 4 weeks post-treatment.

RESULTS

Significant differences in the 6MWT distance were noted between group 3 and group 1 at the post-treatment and 2-week follow-up evaluations (post-treatment P = 0.015; 2-week follow-up P = 0.001) and between group 3 and group 2 (post-treatment P = 0.010; 2-week follow-up P =  .015). No difference was found between group 2 and group 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary findings support the hypothesis that anodal tDCS combined with cathodal tsDCS may be useful to improve the effects of robotic gait training in chronic stroke.

Strain sonoelastographic evaluation of biceps muscle intrinsic stiffness after botulinum toxin-A injection

BACKGROUND

The most commonly used clinical tools for measuring spasticity are modified Ashworth scale (MAS) and Tardieu scale but both yield subjective rather than objective results. Ultrasound elastography (EUS) provides information on tissue stiffness and allows the qualitative or quantitative measurements of the mechanical properties of tissues.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the stiffness of biceps brachialis muscles in stroke patients by strain EUS and to investigate the sonoelastographic changes and its correlations with clinical evaluation parameters after botulinum toxin-A (BTA) injections.

METHODS

This is a prospective study. A total of 48 chronic stroke patients requiring BTA injections to biceps brachialis muscles were included in the study. All patients received injections with BTA to biceps brachialis muscles under ultrasound guidance. MAS, goniometric measurements, and strain EUS assessments were performed at preintervention and at 4-week postintervention.

RESULTS

Strain index values of biceps muscle on the affected side were significantly increased compared with those on the unaffected side (p < 0.01). At 4 weeks after BTA injection, significant improvements were observed in MAS grades and goniometric measurements (p < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were also found between the MAS grades and strain index values in both pre-/postintervention period (p < 0.01). No significant correlations were observed between clinical parameters and strain EUS findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Strain EUS is a promising diagnostic tool for assessing stiffness in spastic muscles, in establishing the treatment plan and monitoring the effectiveness of the therapeutic modality.

Use of botulinum toxin type A in the management of patients with neurological disorders: a national survey

The aim of this survey was to provide an overview of important issues relating to therapeutic strategies based on botulinum toxin type A injection for the treatment of patients with neurological disorders. Two hundred and ten physicians from neurology and neurorehabilitation units in Italian hospitals answered a questionnaire exploring some clinical aspects of the use of botulinum toxin type A in patients with spasticity/dystonia. 66% of the physicians treated patients with dystonia, 80% treated adults with spasticity, and 35% treated children with cerebral palsy. Palpation with no instrumental guidance was the injection technique most commonly used for treating patients with dystonia, spasticity and cerebral palsy; 57% of the physicians evaluated patients instrumentally before toxin injection, while 45% assessed postinjection improvements by instrumental means; 78% of the physicians prescribed (when appropriate) rehabilitation procedures after toxin injection. Our results seem to show that the routine use of botulinum toxin in clinics is far from standardized.

Adhesive taping vs. daily manual muscle stretching and splinting after botulinum toxin type A injection for wrist and fingers spastic overactivity in stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial

Objective:

To compare the effectiveness of two procedures increasing the botulinum toxin type A effect for wrist and finger flexor spasticity after stroke.

Design:

A single-blind randomized trial.

Subjects:

Seventy patients with upper limb post-stroke spasticity.

Methods:

Adults with wrist and finger flexor muscles spasticity after stroke were submitted to botulinum toxin type A therapy. After the treatment, the subjects injected were randomly divided into two groups and submitted to adhesive taping (Group A) or daily muscle manual stretching, passive articular mobilization of wrist and fingers, and palmar splint (Group B) for 10 days. We measured spasticity with Modified Ashworth Scale, related disability with Disability Assessment Scale, and fingers position at rest. The measurements were done at baseline, after two weeks, and after one month from the treatment session.

Results:

After two weeks, subjects in Group A reported a significantly greater decrease in spasticity scores (Modified Ashworth Scale fingers: mean (standard deviation) 1.3±0.6 vs. 2.1±0.6; Modified Ashworth Scale wrist: 1.7 ±0.6 vs. 2.3 ±0.8), and after one month in spasticity and disability scores (Modified Ashworth Scale fingers: mean (standard deviation) 1.9 ±0.7 vs. 2.5 ±0.6; Modified Ashworth Scale wrist: 2.0 ±0.7 vs. 2.6 ±0.6; Disability Assessment Scale: 1.6 ±0.7 vs. 2.1 ±0.7) compared with Group B subjects. Subjects in Group A reported also a significantly improved fingers position at rest compared with Group B subjects after two weeks (2.8 ±0.9 vs. 2.1 ±0.7) and one month (2.3 ±0.7 vs. 1.5 ±0.6).

Conclusions:

Adhesive taping of wrist and finger flexor muscles appeared to enhance the effect of botulinum toxin type A therapy more than daily manual muscle stretching combined with passive articular mobilization and palmar splint.

Relationship between ultrasonographic, electromyographic, and clinical parameters in adult stroke patients with spastic equinus: an observational study

OBJECTIVE

To find more accurate indices that could affect decisions in spasticity treatment by investigating the relation between ultrasonographic, electromyographic, and clinical parameters of the gastrocnemius muscle in adults with spastic equinus after stroke.

DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING

University hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

Chronic patients with stroke with spastic equinus (N=43).

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Ultrasonographic features were spastic gastrocnemius muscle echo intensity, muscle thickness, and posterior pennation angle of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) in both legs. Electromyographic evaluation included compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) recorded from the GM and GL of both legs. Clinical assessment of the spastic gastrocnemius muscle was performed with the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and by measuring ankle dorsiflexion passive range of motion (PROM).

RESULTS

Spastic muscle echo intensity was inversely associated with proximal (GM and GL: P=.002) and distal (GM and GL: P=.001) muscle thickness, pennation angle (GM: P< .001; GL: P=.01), CMAP (GM: P=.014; GL: P=.026), and ankle PROM (GM: P=.038; GL: P=.024). The pennation angle was directly associated with the proximal (GM and GL: P< .001) and distal (GM: P=.001; GL: P< .001) muscle thickness of the spastic gastrocnemius muscle. The MAS score was directly associated with muscle echo intensity (GM: P=.039; GL: P=.027) and inversely related to the pennation angle (GM and GL: P=.001) and proximal (GM: P=.016; GL: P=.009) and distal (GL: P=.006) muscle thickness of the spastic gastrocnemius.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased spastic muscle echo intensity was associated with reduced muscle thickness, posterior pennation angle, and CMAP amplitude in the gastrocnemius muscle. Building on previous evidence that these instrumental features are related to botulinum toxin response, these new findings may usefully inform spasticity treatment decisions.

Botulinum toxin injection into the forearm muscles for wrist and fingers spastic overactivity in adults with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial comparing three injection techniques

OBJECTIVE

To compare the outcome of manual needle placement, electrical stimulation and ultrasonography-guided techniques for botulinum toxin injection into the forearm muscles of adults with arm spasticity.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

University hospital.

SUBJECTS

Sixty chronic stroke patients with wrist and fingers spasticity.

INTERVENTION

After randomization into three groups, each patient received botulinum toxin type A in at least two of these muscles: flexor carpi radialis and ulnaris, flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus (no fascicles selection). The manual needle placement group underwent injections using palpation; the electrical stimulation group received injections with electrical stimulation guidance; the ultrasonography group was injected under sonographic guidance. A sole injector was used.

MAIN MEASURES

All patients were evaluated at baseline and four weeks after injection.

OUTCOMES

Modified Ashworth Scale; Tardieu Scale; wrist and fingers passive range of motion.

RESULTS

One month after injection, Modified Ashworth Scale scores improved more in the electrical stimulation group than the manual needle placement group (wrist: P = 0.014; fingers: P = 0.011), as well as the Tardieu angle (wrist: P = 0.008; fingers: P = 0.015) and passive range of motion (wrist: P = 0.004). Furthermore, Modified Ashworth Scale scores improved more in the ultrasonography group than in the manual needle placement group (wrist: P = 0.001; fingers: P = 0.003), as well as the Tardieu angle (wrist: P = 0.010; fingers: P = 0.001) and passive range of motion (wrist: P < 0.001; proximal interphalangeal joints: P = 0.009). No difference was found between the ultrasonography and electrical stimulation groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Instrumental guidance may improve the outcome of botulinum toxin injections into the spastic forearm muscles of stroke patients.