Repeated abobotulinumtoxin A injection improves walking in patients with stroke

This study investigated the changes in gait (walking) after repeated treatment with abobotulinumtoxin A (ABTA) in patients with stroke. Researchers suggested that this treatment improves gait in stroke patients with leg spasticity (stiff muscles).

Stroke is a serious condition caused by when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This can be due to a blood clot or hemorrhage (burst blood vessel). This stops the brain cells to control body functions leaving patients with symptoms such as leg spasticity. This condition affects the gait of these patients. It also affects their quality of life.

ABTA (or BOTOX) acts by stopping the muscles from contracting. Prior studies showed that ABTA reduces muscle stiffness, improving the function of spastic arms and legs. However, the effectiveness of the repeated ABTA injections in patients with leg spasticity is not well known.

This study included 352 patients with leg spasticity caused by stroke or brain injury. These patients received up to four ABTA treatment cycles. Step length, cadence (steps per minute), and walking speed were assessed.

At week 12 after four ABTA treatments, walking speed (barefoot and with shoes), step length, and cadence were improved. 39% of patients improved one of these outcomes. 31% improved 2 or more outcomes, while 17% improved all 4 test conditions.

This study concluded that repeated ABTA injection is a good and safe treatment option for stroke survivors with leg spasticity and gait disability.

This study was funded by Ipsen, the ABTA manufacturer.