What is it about?
This review analyzed studies that used botulinum toxin and functional electrical stimulation together to treat spasticity. The combo improved arm and leg movement in adults and children with cerebral palsy, stroke, or spinal cord injury. This study explores how combining botulinum toxin with functional electrical stimulation can improve treatment for spasticity. The approach aims to reduce muscle stiffness and improve movement for people with conditions like stroke or cerebral palsy.This project explores a combined therapy using botulinum toxin and functional electrical stimulation to treat spasticity—muscle stiffness that limits movement. The goal is to improve mobility and quality of life for people affected by stroke, injury, or neurological disorders.
Featured Image
Photo by philippe spitalier on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Using botulinum toxin alone isn’t enough to improve motor function. This study shows that combining it with functional electrical stimulation, which activates muscles during daily tasks, can improve strength, coordination, and independence.
Perspectives
I hope this article stimulates to make more research to define the best way to combine these therapies. The idea is that with further studies, clinics and rehab professionals can apply this combo more effectively and affordably to improve patients’ quality of life.
Luisa Garcia-Salazar
Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos
Personal Perspective As an innovation researcher based in Ethiopia, I am acutely aware of the challenges faced by individuals living with spasticity in low-resource settings. This work reflects my dedication to closing the gap between emerging scientific breakthroughs and the realities of underserved communities. Through the QF-NAMO-2024-ET initiative, I have sought to design interventions that are not only scientifically sound but also scalable, sustainable, and locally adaptable. By integrating botulinum toxin therapy with functional electrical stimulation, this research aims to deliver a cost-effective, non-invasive treatment pathway for those who would otherwise have limited options. It represents a step forward in aligning cutting-edge healthcare innovation with the global mandates of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 13 (Climate Action)—pursuing health equity in the face of structural and environmental challenges. I believe this work is not only about muscle recovery—it’s about restoring dignity, independence, and opportunity to those most often left behind. Ahmed Tofik Ali Web of science reasercher https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/rid/AAO-7223-2020 Web of Science ResearcherID: AAO-7223-2020 ORCiD: 0000-0001-7966-7219
Medical plants curing COVID-19, HIV and all Virus Related Deasese Ahmed Tofik Ali
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Effects of botulinum toxin and functional electrical stimulation in individuals with spasticity: a systematic review, International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, April 2025, Mark Allen Group,
DOI: 10.12968/ijtr.2024.0058.
You can read the full text:
Resources
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
