Evaluation of a program of application of the botulinum toxin type A in children with cerebral palsy in Vale do Jequitinhonha

The scope of this study was to evaluate the effects of a public program of application of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) in terms of muscle spasticity, range of motion, quality of gait, functional independence and quality of life of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 14 children with CP to evaluate the effects of three applications of BoNT-A, at intervals of three months. Children were assessed using the Modified Ashworth Rating Scale, the Manual Goniometer, the Physician Rating Scale, the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and the Caregiver Questionnaire (CQ). There was a reduction of spasticity, an increase in the range of motion, an improvement of the functional abilities of self-care and mobility of PEDI and the areas of personal care, comfort and interaction/communication with the CQ. The BoNT-A application program for children and adolescents with CP, conducted in a public rehabilitation service in the Jequitinhonha Valley, was effective for the targeted population.