Changes in standing and gait parameters of hemiparetic stroke patients after BoNT-A injection

Abstract

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) on the standing and gait parameters of stroke patients. [Subjects] The subjects were 24 chronic hemiparetic stroke patients with lower limb extensor spasticity. [Methods] Injection of 300 units of BoNT-A into the gastrocnemius, soleus, tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus muscles or flexor hallucis longus muscles, depending on the case, was performed. The patients’ standing and gait parameters were evaluated before and 4 weeks after the treatment. [Results] Improvements were observed in the grounding area of the affected limb and center of foot pressure position during quiet stance, and stride length during gait. [Conclusion] BoNT-A injection for lower limb spasticity effectively improved the patients’ standing balance and gait ability.