Methylphenidate for gait impairment in Parkinson disease: a randomized clinical trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There is a paucity of therapies for gait impairment in Parkinson disease (PD). Open-label studies have suggested improved gait after treatment with methylphenidate (MPD).

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of MPD for the treatment of gait impairment in PD.

Methods

Twenty-seven subjects with PD and moderate gait impairment were screened for this 6-month placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Subjects were randomly assigned to MPD (maximum, up to 80 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks and crossed over after a 3-week washout. The primary outcome measure was change in a gait composite score (stride length + velocity) between groups at 4 and 12 weeks. Secondary outcome measures included changes in motor function, as measured by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Ratin

SUBMITTER: Espay AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3068005 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature