Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection on spastic hamstring in the children with cerebral palsy. Methods 39 cerebral palsy children with spastic hamstring were divided into control group (n=20) and experimental group (n=
19). The control group accepted physical therapy, while the experimental group accepted BTX-A injection in affected hamstring in addition.They were assessed with modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Gross Motor Fucntion Measure (GMFM-88) and flexion angle of knee joints before and after treatment. Results The scores of MAS and GMFM-88, and flexion angle of knee joints improved significantly 6 weeks after treatment in the experimental group (P<0.05), and improved more than that in the control group (P<0.05). Only the score of GMFM-88 improved significantly in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion BTX-A injection can relieve hamstring spasticity in children with cerebral palsy, which may be helpful to correct abnormal gait and improve the motor function.

Key words: cerebral palsy, spasticity, hamstring, Botulinum toxin type A, gait analysis, gross motor fucntion