In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of the botulinum toxin (BoNT) application on muscle thickness and motor recovery in stroke patients.
Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide. It poses a major risk for disability. Its prevalence is high in developing countries. Spasticity is among the complications of stroke. Excessive spasticity can cause impairments and limitations in patients' motor activity and participation in daily life. Botulinum toxin (BoNT) injection is one of the preferred treatment options. Studies on botulinum toxin administration in stroke patients generally focus on treatment efficacy and motor recovery. Studies examining the effects of botulinum toxin administration on both muscle thickness and motor recovery are few in number. In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of the botulinum toxin (BoNT) application on upper extremity muscle thickness and motor recovery in stroke patients.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
20
Hemiplegic stroke patients who received upper extremity botulinum toxin will be evaluated retrospectively. Information regarding upper extremity motor recovery, spasticity levels, and muscle thickness measured by ultrasound before and one month after botulinum toxin administration will be obtained from file records.
Abant Izzet Baysal University
Bolu, Turkey (Türkiye)
Muscle Thickness
Muscle thickness measurements were performed using a Falcon 2101 EXL 2003 ultrasound device equipped with an 8 MHz linear probe, both before and one month after botulinum toxin application. In patients who received botulinum toxin injections into the m. brachialis, m. pronator teres, m. flexor carpi radialis, m. flexor carpi ulnaris, m. flexor digitorum profundus, and m. flexor digitorum superficialis, muscle thickness was measured using ultrasound from the proximal one-third of the volar side of the forearm. Measurements were taken before and one month after the application. Muscle thickness was recorded by measuring the vertical distance between the subcutaneous tissue and the radius and ulna bone borders on the ultrasound image.
Time frame: Before treatment
Muscle Thickness
Muscle thickness measurements were performed using a Falcon 2101 EXL 2003 ultrasound device equipped with an 8 MHz linear probe, both before and one month after botulinum toxin application. In patients who received botulinum toxin injections into the m. brachialis, m. pronator teres, m. flexor carpi radialis, m. flexor carpi ulnaris, m. flexor digitorum profundus, and m. flexor digitorum superficialis, muscle thickness was measured using ultrasound from the proximal one-third of the volar side of the forearm. Measurements were taken before and one month after the application. Muscle thickness was recorded by measuring the vertical distance between the subcutaneous tissue and the radius and ulna bone borders on the ultrasound image.
Time frame: 4 week after treatment
Brunnstrom Motor Recovery Stages
Brunnstrom stages is a scale used to assess motor recovery after a stroke, which is expressed using values between 1 and 6. The higher the value on this scale, the higher would be the recovery.
Time frame: Before treatment
Brunnstrom Motor Recovery Stages
Brunnstrom stages is a scale used to assess motor recovery after a stroke, which is expressed using values between 1 and 6. The higher the value on this scale, the higher would be the recovery.
Time frame: 4 week after treatment
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Modified Ashworth Scale
Spasticity in the shoulder will be evaluated according to the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). The Modified Ashworth Scale is a 6-point scale. Scores range from 0 to 4, where lower scores represent normal muscle tone and higher scores represent increased degree of spasticity.
Time frame: Before treatment
Modified Ashworth Scale
Spasticity in the shoulder will be evaluated according to the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). The Modified Ashworth Scale is a 6-point scale. Scores range from 0 to 4, where lower scores represent normal muscle tone and higher scores represent increased degree of spasticity.
Time frame: 4 week after treatment