Botulinum Toxin Combined with Robot-Assisted Therapy for Post-Stroke Spasticity: A Systematic Review
(1) Background: Post-stroke spasticity limits motor recovery and independence. Combining botulinum toxin type-A (BoNT-A) injection with intensive, task-specific robot-assisted therapy (RAT) might enhance neuroplasticity and functional gains, but its additive effect and optimal timing are uncertain. (2) Methods: We systematically searched major medical databases and trial registries up to April 2025 for randomized controlled trials in adults with post-stroke spasticity comparing botulinum toxin type-A injection plus RAT with toxin injection plus conventional therapy, or RAT alone with RAT combined with toxin injection. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2 tool, and findings were synthesized narratively. (3) Results: Seven trials (<i>n</i> = 229) were included. Across all studies, toxin treatment reduced spasticity within groups, whereas additional spasticity reduction with RAT versus conventional rehabilitation was inconsistent. In contrast, several lower-limb trials reported greater improvements in walking capacity and balance when RAT was added, while upper-limb trials showed comparable motor recovery across treatment arms with occasional advantages in strength and movement quality. A pilot four-arm study suggested that starting RAT around four weeks after injection may maximize upper-limb motor gains. (4) Conclusions: The combination of BoNT-A with RAT appears safe and is particularly promising for gait rehabilitation, but further research is needed to define optimal timing and protocols.
Institutions
- University of Foggia (IT)
- University of Verona (IT)
- University of British Columbia (CA)
- Ospedali Riuniti di Foggia (IT)
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Toxins
- Published
- 2025-11-25
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17120569
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Botulinum Toxin and Related Neurological Disorders
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.39