title: Impact of tetrabenazine on gait and functional mobility in individuals with Huntington's disease.
abstract: Chorea may contribute to balance problems and walking difficulties that lead to higher fall rates in individuals with Huntington's disease (HD). Few studies have examined the effects of tetrabenazine (TBZ), an anti-choreic drug, on function and mobility in HD. The purpose of this study was to compare: 1) gait measures in forward walking, 2) balance and mobility measures, and 3) hand and forearm function measures on and off TBZ. We hypothesized that use of TBZ would improve gait, transfers and hand and forearm function. Eleven individuals with HD on stable doses of TBZ were evaluated while off medication and again following resumption of medication. Significant improvements were found on the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) motor scores, Tinetti Mobility Test (TMT) total (t=4.20, p=0.002) and balance subscale (t=-4.61, p=0.001) scores, and the Five Times Sit-to-Stand test (5TSST, t=3.20, p=.009) when on-TBZ compared to off-TBZ. Spatiotemporal gait measures, the Six Condition Romberg test, and UHDRS hand and forearm function items were not changed by TBZ use. Improved TMT and 5TSST performance when on drug indicates that TBZ use may improve balance and functional mobility in individuals with HD.
authors.affiliation: The Ohio State University, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Physical Therapy, United States; The Ohio State University, College of Medicine, Neurology Department, Movement Disorders Division, United States. Electronic address: Kegelmeyer.1@osu.edu.
authors.forename: Deb A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Kegelmeyer
authors.affiliation: The Ohio State University, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Physical Therapy, United States; The Ohio State University, College of Medicine, Neurology Department, Movement Disorders Division, United States.
authors.forename: Anne D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Kloos
authors.affiliation: Johns Hopkins University, Kennedy Krieger Institute, United States.
authors.forename: Nora E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Fritz
authors.affiliation: The Ohio State University, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Physical Therapy, United States.
authors.forename: Marianne M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Fiumedora
authors.affiliation: The Ohio State University, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Health Informatics, United States.
authors.forename: Susan E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: White
authors.affiliation: The Ohio State University, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Physical Therapy, United States; The Ohio State University, College of Medicine, Neurology Department, Movement Disorders Division, United States.
authors.forename: Sandra K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Kostyk
mesh_terms: D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D006816:Huntington Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*; D013747:Tetrabenazine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D013747:Tetrabenazine
keywords: Balance; Chorea; Function; Gait; Huntington's disease; Mobility