Article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A)
treatment on energy expenditure and ambulation in children with cerebral palsy
(CP) and to determine if energy expenditure measurement could be considered a
useful tool for evaluating the effectiveness of BTX-A treatment for CP. DESIGN:
The study included 16 pediatric CP patients with equinus deformity who were
capable of walking without assistance (group with CP).
The children with CP were
administered BTX-A injections into the gastrocnemius muscle. All the children
underwent three-dimensional gait analysis and energy expenditure measurement
before injection and 8 wks after injection, the results of which were compared
with those of children without CP (control group).
RESULTS: After BTX-A
treatment, oxygen consumption in the group with CP was significantly lower than
at pretreatment and was similar to that in the control group (P > 0.05). In the
group with CP, post-BTX-A treatment ankle joint dorsiflexion angle at initial
contact, mid-stance, and mid-swing improved significantly (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:
BTX-A injected into the gastrocnemius muscle in children with CP not only reduced
spasticity and improved ankle range of motion and walking pattern but also
reduced energy consumption, resulting in functional improvement. Energy
expenditure measurement can be considered an objective quantitative tool for
clinical evaluation of the functional outcome of therapeutic interventions such as BTX-A.

Langue : ANGLAIS