Abstract: Objective To observe the effects of repeated Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection on lower limb spasticity after stroke.Methods 180 cases with lower limb spasticity after stroke were divided into the treatment group (n=90) and the control group (n=90). The treatment group was treated with BTX-A injection twice in the spastic muscles at interval of 3~6 months, while both the treatment group and the control group accepted the rehabilitation based on the neurodevelopmental therapy. They were assessed with modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Fugl-Meyer Lower Limb Assessment (FMAL), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), modified Barthel Index (MBI) before each injection, and 3 d, 7 d, 1 month, 3 months after each injection or the same time for the controls. Results There was significant difference in scores of MAS, FMAL, BBS, MBI for the treatment group among before and 3 d, 7 d, 1 month after each injection (P<0.05), but not significant between 2 injections (P<0.05). There was significant difference in scores of all the assessment between the treatment and control group at the same time (P<0.01). Conclusion Repeated intramuscular injection of BTX-A can reduce the spasticity of lower limb after stroke.

Key words: stroke, spasticity, lower limb, Botulinum toxin type A, repeated injection