Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of traditional Chinese massage on upper limbs spasticity in stroke patients who accepted Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection. Methods 74 stroke patients with upper limbs spasticity were divided into treatment group (n=36)and control group (n=38). The control group received BTX-A injection, and the treatment group received massage after injection. Both groups received rehabilitation training after injection and were assessed with modified Ashworth scale, Fugl-Meyer assessment and modified Barthel index before and 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks after treatment. Results All the scores of assessments improved in both groups after treatment (P<0.001), and there was no significant difference between them (P>0.05). Conclusion Addition of traditional Chinese massage doesn't work more on spasticity of upper limbs after stroke when accepted BTX-A injection.

Key words: stroke, upper limbs, spasticity, massage, Botulinum toxin type A