Abstract: ObjectiveTo study the effects of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection combined with functional training on the tiptoe deformation and gross motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP). Methods60 SCP children with tiptoe deformation whose family consented to inject BTX-A were as treatment group and treated with BTX-A combined with function training, while other 46 SCP children as control group were only treated with functional training. They were assessed with Composite Spasticity Scale (CSS), the angle of ankle passive dorsiflexion motion and D and E domains of Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) before and 1 week, and 3 months after treatment. ResultsThe effect of BTX-A began from 24 to 72 h after injection, reached the peak from 1 to 2 weeks, maintained beyond 3 months with few side effects. There were significant differences between 2 groups in the outcome of CSS,the angle and the standing and walking value (GMFM) 1 week and 3 months after treatment (P<0.01). ConclusionBTX-A combined with functional training is more effective on reducing spasticity of the lower extremity, correcting the tiptoe deformation, increasing the range of ankle motion, improving gross motor function.

Key words: cerebral palsy, spasticity, botulinum toxin A, functional training, tiptoe, gross motor function