This study was conducted to assess the combine role of Physiotherapy by providing task specific trainings and Botulinum Toxin Type A in improving the functional outcomes of upper limb in post stroke patients with focal hand dystonia.
Post-stroke hemiparesis, with dystonia, is a major cause of disability. Dystonia can hinder the functional activities making patient dependent on others for performance of daily living activities. Dystonia not only limits the physical activity of the patient but also affects their quality of life significantly. Various treatment protocols have been used in the literature for treatment of focal hand dystonia in the past including deep brain stimulation, kinesio taping, sensory oriented training, splinting, extracorporeal shock wave therapy and botox. Out of these Botox has gained much importance but it results only in improving the passive range of motion and has no consensus in improving the active range of motion and functional independence of the patient. The current study was planned to determine the effects of botulinum toxin type A combined with task-specific therapy, for post-stroke focal dystonia of upper limb.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
39
All patients in the experimental group received a BoNT-A injection. The injected total dose for individual patient in the experimental group was 100 units which is equivalent to approximately 300-500 Units of Dysport (the other type of BoNT-A available). The Botox was injected by the neurophysician intramuscularly using insulin U100 syringe and determination of muscles for injection was assessed clinically.
Task specific training is the repetition of a specific task until expertise is reached. More challenging tasks are added as a means of progression
Action Research Arm Test (ARAT):
It assessed specific changes in limb function by 19 items grouped in four subscales. The total score ranged from 0 to 57. The lower score indicated no movement and upper score indicated normal performance of the patient.
Time frame: 12 weeks
MOTOR ASSESSMENT SCALE (MAS)
It was a performance-based scale, based on a task-oriented approach to evaluate and assesses performance of functional tasks rather than isolated patterns of movement. All items were assessed using a 7-point scale from 0 - 6. A score of 6 indicated optimal motor behavior.
Time frame: 12 weeks
WOLF MOTOR FUNCTION TEST (WMFT)
It quantified motor ability through timed functional tasks. It used a 6-point ordinal scale with "0" = "does not attempt with the involved arm" to "5" = movement appears to be normal."
Time frame: 12 weeks
FUGL- MEYER ASSESSMENT TEST
It was a performance-based impairment index to measure motor functioning. The total score possible was from 0 - 66, with higher function showing the improved level of independence
Time frame: 12 weeks
Severity Of Dystonia
The Arm Dystonia Disability Scale: The severity of dystonia was assessed using 0 (None) to 3 (Marked Difficulty in performing activity
Time frame: 12 weeks
Stroke Specific Quality Of Life
The stroke specific Quality Of Life was administered to patients which rated their Quality of life
Time frame: 12 weeks
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