Effect of botulinum toxin injection on lower limb function in chronic stroke patients: A pilot study

This study investigates the impact of botulinum toxin type A injections on lower limb functionality for individuals with chronic stroke and spasticity, focusing on key functional outcomes. Seventeen patients received ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin type A injections targeted at muscles responsible for common spasticity patterns with gait interference. Primary outcomes measured were gait speed on a 10 m walk and 6 min walking test, with secondary outcomes including balance, mobility, and quality of living. At 4 months, patients demonstrated improvements with 2 points in Berg balance scale (4.5% P = 0.007) and 2 points in short form 12 (6.2% P = 0.012). 6 min walking increased in 24 m (13.7%) and gait speed in 0.032 m/s (5.2%) in 4 months though not statistically significant. These findings suggest that botulinum toxin type A injection may improve gait function and balance despite the small sample size, lack of control group, and unmonitored rehabilitation.