Added-value of Early Post-stroke Spasticity Reduction during Arm-hand Rehabilitation in Improving Functional Arm-hand Skill Performance: A Multiple Baseline Single Case Experimental Design Study

Abstract

Background: Focal spasticity management in patients in the sub-acute phase after a stroke is mainly based on expert opinion. Evidence for the optimal type and intensity of multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs is scarce. This study will investigate the added-value of reduction of early signs of spasticity in the sub-acute phase after stroke on arm-hand rehabilitation outcome involving a well-described rehabilitation intervention. Reduction of early signs of spasticity will be done using abobotulinum toxin A.