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

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
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Botulinum Toxin Combined with Robot-Assisted Therapy for Post-Stroke Spasticity: A Systematic Review

1 citations
Toxins
Botulinum Toxin and Related Neurological Disorders
1.39
article

Botulinum Toxin Combined with Robot-Assisted Therapy for Post-Stroke Spasticity: A Systematic Review

article en
1 citations

Abstract

(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.

ToxinsVol. 17(12)
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)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 13%
Botulinum Toxin and Related Neurological Disorders
1.39
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Botulinum Toxin Combined with Robot-Assisted Therapy for Post-Stroke Spasticity: A Systematic Review · Toxins (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS