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Botulinum Toxin Combined with Robot-Assisted Therapy for Post-Stroke Spasticity : A Systematic Review Facciorusso, Salvatore; Spina, Stefania; Filippetti, Mirko; Reebye, Rajiv; Francisco, Gerard E.; Santamato, Andrea
Abstract
(1) Background: Post-stroke spasticity limits motor recovery and independence. Combining botulinum toxin type-A (BoNT-A) injection with intensive, task-specific robot-assisted therapy (RAT) might enhance neuroplasticity and functional gains, but its additive effect and optimal timing are uncertain. (2) Methods: We systematically searched major medical databases and trial registries up to April 2025 for randomized controlled trials in adults with post-stroke spasticity comparing botulinum toxin type-A injection plus RAT with toxin injection plus conventional therapy, or RAT alone with RAT combined with toxin injection. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2 tool, and findings were synthesized narratively. (3) Results: Seven trials (n = 229) were included. Across all studies, toxin treatment reduced spasticity within groups, whereas additional spasticity reduction with RAT versus conventional rehabilitation was inconsistent. In contrast, several lower-limb trials reported greater improvements in walking capacity and balance when RAT was added, while upper-limb trials showed comparable motor recovery across treatment arms with occasional advantages in strength and movement quality. A pilot four-arm study suggested that starting RAT around four weeks after injection may maximize upper-limb motor gains. (4) Conclusions: The combination of BoNT-A with RAT appears safe and is particularly promising for gait rehabilitation, but further research is needed to define optimal timing and protocols.
Item Metadata
| Title |
Botulinum Toxin Combined with Robot-Assisted Therapy for Post-Stroke Spasticity : A Systematic Review
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| Creator | |
| Publisher |
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
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| Date Issued |
2025-11-25
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| Description |
(1) Background: Post-stroke spasticity limits motor recovery and independence. Combining botulinum toxin type-A (BoNT-A) injection with intensive, task-specific robot-assisted therapy (RAT) might enhance neuroplasticity and functional gains, but its additive effect and optimal timing are uncertain. (2) Methods: We systematically searched major medical databases and trial registries up to April 2025 for randomized controlled trials in adults with post-stroke spasticity comparing botulinum toxin type-A injection plus RAT with toxin injection plus conventional therapy, or RAT alone with RAT combined with toxin injection. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2 tool, and findings were synthesized narratively. (3) Results: Seven trials (n = 229) were included. Across all studies, toxin treatment reduced spasticity within groups, whereas additional spasticity reduction with RAT versus conventional rehabilitation was inconsistent. In contrast, several lower-limb trials reported greater improvements in walking capacity and balance when RAT was added, while upper-limb trials showed comparable motor recovery across treatment arms with occasional advantages in strength and movement quality. A pilot four-arm study suggested that starting RAT around four weeks after injection may maximize upper-limb motor gains. (4) Conclusions: The combination of BoNT-A with RAT appears safe and is particularly promising for gait rehabilitation, but further research is needed to define optimal timing and protocols.
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| Subject | |
| Genre | |
| Type | |
| Language |
eng
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| Date Available |
2026-01-12
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| Provider |
Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library
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| Rights |
CC BY 4.0
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| DOI |
10.14288/1.0451219
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| URI | |
| Affiliation | |
| Citation |
Toxins 17 (12): 569 (2025)
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| Publisher DOI |
10.3390/toxins17120569
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| Peer Review Status |
Reviewed
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| Scholarly Level |
Faculty; Researcher
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| Rights URI | |
| Aggregated Source Repository |
DSpace
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Item Media
Item Citations and Data
Rights
CC BY 4.0