Effect of baclofen on gait in spastic MS patients.
OBJECTIVE
To measure gait and postural stability by objective methods in spastic MS patients and to evaluate the effect of baclofen on gait and postural stability.


METHODS
Fourteen spastic MS patients were examined in a placebo controlled double-blind, cross-over trial of oral baclofen treatment. The gait was measured on a computerized treadmill and postural stability was measured on a computer assisted force-plate.


RESULTS
Only insignificant improvements in the clinical measurements during baclofen treatment were found. At baseline gait was characterized by low speed, short steps and unsteadiness. Postural stability was severely impaired. During baclofen treatment only vertical unsteadiness of gait diminished significantly.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that patients primarily with spasticity, concomitant with hampering or painful spasms and co-contractions should be offered treatment with baclofen. Only some will experience improvement of their gait disorders, when treated with baclofen.
Orsnes
G B
GB
Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Sørensen
P S
PS
Larsen
T K
TK
Ravnborg
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001418:Baclofen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000187:drug effects*; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D011187:Posture; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D001418:Baclofen