| Objective: To study the efficacy of repeated injection of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) under ultrasound guidance combined with comprehensive rehabilitation for lower limb spasticity in post-stroke patients. Methods: A total of 128 stroke patients were divided into observation group and control group, with 64 patients in each group. Patients in both groups received comprehensive rehabilitation training, and those in the observation group were given BTX-A treatment additionally. Before and after 3 cycles of treatment, the wearing of orthopedic devices in the 2 groups was surveyed, and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), 10-meter walking test (10MWT) and Fugl-Meyer motor function assessment (FMA) were used. Results: After 3 cycles of treatment, the wearing rate of ankle-foot orthopedic device in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group and before treatment (all P<0.05). After the first, second and third cycles of treatment, MAS scores and 10MWT scores were significantly reduced (all P<0.05), while FMA scores were significantly increased (P<0.05). After the first, second and third cycles of treatment, the MAS scores and 10MWT scores in the observation group were significantly lower (both P<0.05), and the FMA scores were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Repeated injection of BTX-A combined with comprehensive rehabilitation can continuously improve lower limb spasticity in post-stroke patients. Our results suggest that patients who show the forward gait pattern prior to therapy and walk with plastic ankle-foot orthosis may be expected to discontinue the use of their plastic ankle-foot orthosis after therapy. |
