Abstract: Objective To evaluate the effects of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) on spasticity of wrist and hand post stroke. Methods 36 patients accepted BTX-A injection were assessed with modified Ashworth scale (MAS), Upper Extremities Functional Test (UEFT), limbs position at rest, Visual Analogous Scale (VAS) for pain, modified Barthel Index (MBI), and difficulties encountered during 3 upper limb motor tasks: cleaning the affected palm, cutting the affected fingernails, putting the affected arm into the sleeve, before and 2, 4, and 12 weeks after treatment. Results The scores of MAS, VAS, UEFT and accomplishment of those tasks improved after treatment (P<0.05), from 1 week to 12 weeks. No significant improvement was observed in MBI (P>0.05). Conclusion Local BTX-A injection can reduce the spasticity and pain, and improve function of upper limbs for stroke patients.

Key words: stroke, spasticity, upper limbs, botulinum toxin A, rehabilitation