title: Effect of slow release-Fampridine on muscle strength, rate of force development, functional capacity and cognitive function in an enriched population of MS patients. A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study.
abstract: METHODS
  This study was conducted as a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled parallel group trial preceded by open label enrichment phase.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objectives of this study were 1) to examine the effect of SR-Fampridine treatment on muscle strength in terms of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and rate of force development (RFD) of the lower extremities and 2) to replicate previously published data on the effect of slow release-Fampridine (SR-Fampridine) on the functional capacity of the lower limbs, the upper limb and cognitive function, in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Previously identified responders to SR-Fampridine were randomized to SR- Fampridine or placebo treatment for four weeks. On days 0 and 26-28 participants underwent testing by isokinetic dynamometry, Nine Hole Peg Test (9-HPT), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Six Spot Step Test (SSST), Timed 25 Foot Walk Test (T25FW) and 5-Times Sit-to-Stand (5-STS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  A statistical significant effect of SR-Fampridine on MVC was demonstrated during knee extension, knee flexion and hip flexion of the weakest leg, as well as on RFD during knee extension and knee flexion of the weakest leg. Furthermore, a significant effect of SR-Fampridine on T25FW, SSST and 5-STS was demonstrated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gold standard dynamometry assessment of muscle strength showed improved MVC and RFD in persons with MS treated with SR-Fampridine compared to placebo. Furthermore, previous findings on the effects of SR-Fampridine on functional capacity of the lower limbs were replicated. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01656148.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark; MS-clinic of Southern Jutland (Sønderborg, Vejle, Esbjerg), Department of Neurology, Sønderborg Hospital, Denmark. Electronic address: henrik.boye.jensen@rsyd.dk.
authors.forename: H B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Nielsen
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ravnborg
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Section of Sport Science, Aarhus University, Denmark.
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Dalgas
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Aagaard
authors.affiliation: Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark; MS-clinic of Southern Jutland (Sønderborg, Vejle, Esbjerg), Department of Neurology, Sønderborg Hospital, Denmark.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Stenager
mesh_terms: D015761:4-Aminopyridine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001132:Arm / Q000503:physiopathology; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D053581:Muscle Strength Dynamometer; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D026902:Potassium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D026902:Potassium Channel Blockers; D015761:4-Aminopyridine
keywords: Cognition; Functional capacity; Isokinetic dynamometry; Maximal voluntary contraction; Multiple sclerosis; Rate of force development; SR-Fampridine