Robotic therapy and botulinum toxin type A: a novel intervention approach for cerebral palsy.
The combined effects of robotic therapy and botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) on upper-limb movement and function were studied in an 8(1/2)-yr-old child with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Robotic therapy comprising repetitive, goal-directed reaching tasks was administered two times per week for 8 wks. Clinical measures included the Modified Ashworth Scale, the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test, and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (upper-limb section). Improvements in upper-limb coordination and quality of motor performance were apparent throughout the robotic therapy trial. The observed gains are comparable with those attained from conventional occupational therapy combined with BTX-A. A parent questionnaire indicated that the amount of paretic arm use also improved during daily activities at home. This preliminary study indicates that robotic therapy may be a useful clinical tool when combined with BTX-A injections for improving upper-limb coordination and quality of motor performance in children with cerebral palsy.
Fasoli
Susan E
SE
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02462, USA.
Fragala-Pinkham
Maria
M
Hughes
Richard
R
Krebs
Hermano Igo
HI
Hogan
Neville
N
Stein
Joel
J
D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012371:Robotics; D034941:Upper Extremity
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A