Effects of botulinum toxin type A on the F-wave of the tibial nerve and the walking ability of stroke patients

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) on the F-waves of the tibial nerve and the walking ability of stroke patients.Methods Twenty stroke patients with spastic hemiplegia of a lower limb were randomly divided into experimental and control groups with 10 patients in each group.All received four weeks of conventional rehabilitation,including walking training,balance training and muscle strength training.In the experimental group,a total of 300 IU of BTX-A was injected into the gastrocnemius (200 IU) and soleus muscles (100 IU)before the start of routine rehabilitation,guided by using the electrical stimulation.Muscle tone was assessed using the modified Ashworth scale(MAS).Walking ability was assessed with the timed up and go test (TUGT) and a 10 m free walking test.F-wave parameters were recorded in the tibial nerve before,two weeks and four weeks after the injection.Results In the experimental group there was a significant difference in F-wave amplitude between those recorded before treatment and after two weeks of treatment.The control group showed no statistically significant difference.In experimental group there was also a statistically significant difference in triceps muscle tension before and after treatment which was not observed in the control group.Walking ability improved significantly in both groups.Conclusions Local injection of BTX-A into the lower limbs can reduce the F-wave amplitudes of spinal cord motor neurons.BTX-A injection combined with rehabilitation training can significantly improve the walking ability of stroke patients. Key words: Botulinum toxin; Stroke; Walking ability; Electromyography