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Effect of botulinum toxin type a combined with physical therapy on functional capacity in children with spastic
Maria Eliege de Souza1, Caroline Razera Ferreira1, Claudia Santos Oliveira2
1Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Physical Therapy Departament, Universidade Nove de Julho São Paulo, Brazil.
Insights
Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) combined with physical therapy significantly improves functional capacity and reduces spasticity in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). These benefits were observed within three months of treatment initiation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) is a common childhood motor disorder characterized by muscle stiffness and impaired movement.
- Current treatments for spastic CP often involve physical therapy, but functional improvements can be limited.
- Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injections are used to reduce muscle spasticity, but their combined effect with physical therapy requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of combining botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) with physical therapy on the functional capacity of children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).
Main Methods:
- A study involving twenty-four children diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).
- Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving BoNT-A combined with physical therapy, and a control group receiving physical therapy alone.
- Functional capacity was assessed using the Berg Scale, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Ashworth Scale, and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI).
Main Results:
- Significant improvements (p < 0.05) were observed in the BoNT-A plus physical therapy group after 30 days for the Berg Scale, TUG test, Ashworth Scale, and PEDI.
- After three months, significant improvements (p < 0.05) persisted for the Berg Scale, TUG test, and PEDI in the combined treatment group.
- No significant functional improvements were noted in the physical therapy alone (control) group (p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
- The combination of BoNT-A and physical therapy demonstrates significant efficacy in enhancing functional capacity and reducing spasticity in children with CP.
- Treatment benefits were evident within three months, suggesting a synergistic effect between BoNT-A and physical therapy.
- This combined approach offers a promising therapeutic strategy for managing spastic cerebral palsy in pediatric populations.
Objective:
Investigate the effects of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) combined with physical therapy on functional capacity in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).
Methods:
Twenty-four children with spastic CP were treated with either BoNT-A and physical therapy or physical therapy alone.
Results:
Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found after 30 days of treatment for the Berg Scale, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Ashworth Scale and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and after three months for the Berg Scale, TUG test and PEDI. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in the control group.
Discussion:
BoNT-A combined with physical therapy leads to significant improvements in spasticity and functionality in children with CP within a period of three months from the onset of treatment.
