Comparison between dopaminergic agents and physical exercise as treatment for periodic limb movements in patients with spinal cord injury.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trial of physical exercise and dopaminergic agonist in persons with spinal cord injury and periodic leg movement (PLM).


OBJECTIVE
The objective of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of physical exercise and of a dopaminergic agonist in reducing the frequency of PLM.


METHODS
Centro de Estudos em Psicobiologia e Exercício. Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil.


METHODS
A total of 13 volunteers (mean age: 31.6+/-8.3 years) received L-DOPA (200 mg) and benserazide (50 mg) 1 h before sleeping time for 30 days and were then submitted to a physical exercise program on a manual bicycle ergometer for 45 days (3 times a week).


RESULTS
Both L-DOPA administration (35.11-19.87 PLM/h, P<0.03) and physical exercise (35.11-18.53 PLM/h, P<0.012) significantly reduced PLM; however, no significant difference was observed between the two types of treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The two types of treatment were found to be effective in the reduction of PLM; however, physical exercise is indicated as the first treatment approach, while dopaminergic agonists or other drugs should only be recommended for patients who do not respond to this type of treatment.
De Mello
M T
MT
Department of Psychobiology, UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil.
Esteves
A M
AM
Tufik
S
S
D000328:Adult; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D015444:Exercise; D005121:Extremities; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D007980:Levodopa / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D017286:Polysomnography; D011336:Probability; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015259:Dopamine Agents; D007980:Levodopa