Taping versus electrical stimulation after botulinum toxin type A injection for wrist and finger spasticity. A case-control study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare results from two approaches used in conjunction with botulinum toxin type A administration in rehabilitation: the application of a taping system and the electrical stimulation of the injected muscles and splinting.


METHODS
Case-control study.


METHODS
Two tertiary care rehabilitation hospitals in Italy.


METHODS
Sixty-five adult subjects affected by spasticity of the wrist and finger flexors.


METHODS
After injection with botulinum toxin type A, the group at hospital A (n=33) was treated with adhesive taping for six days and those at hospital B (n=32) with electrical stimulation and splinting for six days. Spastic hypertonia at the injected muscles was assessed before treatment, one week and one month post injection.


METHODS
Modified Ashworth Scale.


RESULTS
In group A, the mean Modified Ashworth Scale reduction was 2.76 +/- 0.94 for wrist flexors and 2.45 +/- 0.92 for finger flexors; in group B the mean Modified Ashworth Scale reduction was 2.18 +/- 1.11 for wrist flexors and 2.1 +/- 0.98 for finger flexors. The observed difference between the two groups was statistically relevant (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Patients treated with adhesive taping and botulinum toxin type A achieved a greater reduction in spastic hypertonia as measured with Modified Ashworth Scale, with less time dedicated for the treatment.
Carda
Stefano
S
Ospedale Valduce-Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Center, Via Nazario Sauro 17, 23845 Costamasnaga (LC), Italy. inghvber@tin.it
Molteni
Franco
F
D001458:Bandages; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005385:Fingers / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013165:Splints; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014953:Wrist / Q000503:physiopathology
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A