Researchers from Seoul National University, Medical Department publish findings in cerebral palsy

2008 JAN 7 -- Researchers in Seoul, South Korea conducted a study "To assess the additive effect of adjuvant electrical stimulation on botulinum toxin A injection in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Eighteen children with dynamic foot equinus deformity were treated with botulinum toxin A injection into the calf muscles."

"Seven children were assigned to a treatment group who received botullnum toxin A and adjuvant electrical stimulation, and 11 children were assigned to a control group with botulinum toxin injection only. Before botulinum injection, and at 2 wks and 3 mos after injection, the Physician Rating Scale, passive ranges of ankle and knee motion, and the modified Ashworth scale were measured. A significant increase In passive range of ankle motion was observed at 2 wks after injection in the treatment group and at 3 mos after injection in both groups. Both groups showed significant improvements by the modified Ashworth scale at 2 wks after injection. Subscales of the Physician Rating Scale (equinus foot, crouched gait) and total Physician Rating Scale scores were significantly improved in the treatment group at 3 mos after injection, but this was not observed in the control group," wrote B.S. Kang and colleagues, Seoul National University, Medical Department.

The researchers concluded: "Adjuvant electrical stimulation for a short period after botulinum toxin A injection was found to benefit early improvement of range of motion and maintenance of gait improvement in children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy showing dynamic equinus."

Kang and colleagues published the results of their research in American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Effects of botulinum toxin A therapy with electrical stimulation on spastic calf muscles in children with cerebral palsy. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 2007;86(11):901-906).

For additional information, contact M.S. Bang, Seoul National University, College Medical, Dept. of Rehabilitation Medical, 28 Yeongun Dong, Seoul 110744, South Korea.

Source - NewsRX.com 

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