However, motor performance remained within similar level before and after injections. As expected, BoNT injections reduced the MAS score and reflex torque, and elbow flexor strength on the spastic paretic side. Spasticity assessment (Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and reflex torque) and muscle strength of elbow flexors, as well as motor performance assessment (force variability of submaximal elbow flexion) were performed within one week before (pre-injection) and 3~4 weeks (3-wk) after BoNT injections. Ten stroke survivors with spastic hemiplegia (51.7 ± 11.5 yrs 5 men) who received 100 units of incobotulinumtoxinA or onabotulinumtoxinA to the biceps brachii muscles participated in this study. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively investigate the effects of BoNT injections on force control of spastic biceps brachii muscles in stroke survivors.
Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injections are considered as the first-line treatment for focal spasticity. It is known that muscle weakness is linked to poor motor performance.
