July 2004

Children benefit from Botox research

Paediatric physiotherapist Roslyn Boyd has received a Premier’s Commendation for her research, which is helping children with cerebral palsy walk and move better.

Ms Boyd and her team at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute demonstrated that botulinum toxin A (Botox) injections, combined with physiotherapy, dramatically reduced spasticity in the arms and legs of children with cerebral palsy.

Lasting improvements in walking and hand function have been achieved in children who have had Botox injections.

Ms Boyd’s research combined her expertise in movement training with cutting edge MRI technology to look at brain function, unlocking the secrets of movement dysfunction in children with cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition and the most common physical disability in children, affecting one in 200 young Australians.

Children with hemiplegia (cerebral palsy which affects one side of the body) usually have the intellectual capacity to attend normal school but have difficultly walking, playing sport and taking part in other everyday activities.

Botulinum toxin A is a neurotoxin which—used in small quantities—is safe, reversible and has the potential to ameliorate the progressive physical problems in children with cerebral palsy.

Ms Boyd was the first allied health professional to receive the Premier’s award.

Her research has provided a new window for understanding the effects of rehabilitation in children with cerebral palsy and improving their participation in society.

Ms Boyd’s work is a collaborative effort between the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Brain Research Institute and La Trobe University.

'The Victorian Government has provided valuable support that has made this research possible,’ said Professor Bob Williamson, Director of the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

‘Through the Science, Technology and Innovation Program, which has given $4.9 million to the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, and infrastructure to medical research (through the Department of Human Services and Department of Innovation Industry and Regional Development), the State of Victoria has allowed us to carry out these world-class research programs to improve the quality of life of children.’

'We want every child to benefit from medical research that makes sick children better and keeps healthy children well, a hope that we share with every person in Victoria,’ said Professor Williamson.