Anja Seifart1, Marianne Unger, Marlett Burger. 1. Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa. anjaseifart@webmail.co.za
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study examined the effect of lower limb functional electrical stimulation (FES) after botulinum toxin injection in children with cerebral palsy on self-selected walking speed, plantar flexor and dorsiflexor muscle strength, and an optimal time frame for initiating FES after the injection. METHODS: Five subjects participated in a single-subject design. All subjects received a single botulinum toxin injection into the calf muscle, followed by a 4-week FES home program. Three subjects followed the protocol as prescribed; 2 subjects received no FES. RESULTS: FES after botulinum toxin increased isometric plantar flexor muscle strength, but did not produce changes in self-selected walking speeds or isometric dorsiflexor strength. A 32-day interval between botulinum toxin and the start of FES was most effective. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: FES after botulinum toxin seems to be effective in improving some gait variables, although further research is needed for substantiation.
PURPOSE: This study examined the effect of lower limb functional electrical stimulation (FES) after botulinum toxin injection in children with cerebral palsy on self-selected walking speed, plantar flexor and dorsiflexor muscle strength, and an optimal time frame for initiating FES after the injection. METHODS: Five subjects participated in a single-subject design. All subjects received a single botulinum toxin injection into the calf muscle, followed by a 4-week FES home program. Three subjects followed the protocol as prescribed; 2 subjects received no FES. RESULTS: FES after botulinum toxin increased isometric plantar flexor muscle strength, but did not produce changes in self-selected walking speeds or isometric dorsiflexor strength. A 32-day interval between botulinum toxin and the start of FES was most effective. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: FES after botulinum toxin seems to be effective in improving some gait variables, although further research is needed for substantiation.
Authors: Benjamin C Conner; Nushka M Remec; Cassidy M Michaels; Chase W Wallace; Emily Andrisevic; Zachary F Lerner Journal: Gait Posture Date: 2021-10-25 Impact factor: 2.840