Spastic muscles of individuals with CP are usually smaller, stiffer and weaker. Recent research has shown that muscle preservation therapies and enhancement are important. Compare muscle quality before and after receiving Botox, Selective Dorsal Rhizotomies, orthopedic surgery, or no treatment.

Core Question

• Do common interventions including surgery and Botox injections improve muscle quality more than physical therapies?

Rachel L DiFazio, PhD RN PPCNP-BC FAAN; Judith Ann Vessey, PhD MBA RN FAAN;  Jay Berry, MD MPH; Daniel Graham Whitney, PhD; Tania Denise Shaffer Strout PhD RN MS

Institution: Boston Children’s Hospital