Effects of botulinum toxin type A and electrostimulation on distal flexor spasticity of the upper limb in stroke. Randomized clinical trial

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) associated to Botulinum Toxin (TB) type A in motor function, functional capacity and spasticity in chronic post-stroke upper limb (UL) spasticity. Patients and methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was performed in 25 ictus patients with more than 6 months evolution. After infiltration of 200 units of TB in the flexor muscle of the finger and wrist muscles, the patients were assigned to two groups: NMES in extensor muscles (group 1) and sham-stimulation (group 2). Patients were assessed at weeks 4/16 post-injection by standard motor function scales (Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMA), Medical Research Council Scale (MRC), Motricity Index for Motor Impairment after stroke and dynamometry), UL functional capacity (Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI), Box and Block Test (BBT) and muscular tone (Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)). Results: At week 4, significant improvement was observed in FMA 2.4 (SD 4.1) in UL component, MRC 0.2 (SD 0.4), CAHAI 4.2 and BBT 1.5 (SD 3.3), as well as a reduction in MAS 1.0 (SD 0.9) in the wrist and 1.2 (SD 1.4) in the fingers. At month 4, this effect was maintained in motor function but not in spasticity. No significant differences were observed in UL motor function, functional capacity between the groups. Conclusions: TB type A injection in UL distal flexor spasticity enhances motor function, functional capacity and spasticity in chronic stroke patients. Adding a program of NMES for the extensor wrist/fingers muscles does not provide any additional benefits. © 2010 Elsevier España, S.L. y SERMEF. Todos los derechos reservados.