Maric
Fakultäten » Medizinische Fakultät » Universitätsklinik Balgrist und Schweizerisches Paraplegikerzentrum » Paraplegikerzentrum » Prof. Dr. Volker Dietz (emeritiert) » Maric
Completed research project
| Title / Titel | Levodopa in combination with physiotherapy after incomplete spinal cord injury: a prospective, randomized, double-blind cross-over study. | ||||
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| Abstract (PDF, 14 KB) | |||||
| Summary / Zusammenfassung | Study Design: Prospective randomized double-blind crossover design.Setting: University Hospital, Spinal Cord Inujury Center Zürich, Switzerland.Methoden: Twelve incomplete SCI patients (ASIA C and D) were randomized in a trial with a double-blind, crossover design to receive six weeks of orally administered L-Dopa, followed by six weeks of placebo, or vice versa. The dose of 200mg L-Dopa extended release or placebo was administered in the morning at 8h a.m. five times a week in combination with physiotherapy before noon. Evaluation of (side-)effects took place every week, starting one week before treatment. Main Outcome Measure was the Asia-Motor-Score (AMS) reflecting motor recovery. Using the Lower Extremities motor score (LEMS) allowed a focus on the recovery of the Leg muscules. Walking abilities were assesed with the Walking Index of Spinal Cord Injuury (WISCI). Activities of daily life were monitored with the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM). Results: No significant benefit from L-Dopa was found on motor recovery (AMS). On average, patients receiving L-Dopa treatment responded less favourably in the AMS (6.6 points increase) than patients receiving placebo (7.8 points increase), with an advantage of 1.2 points for the placebo (p=0.49). Neither the LEMS nor the walking abilities (WISCI) | ||||
| Keywords / Suchbegriffe | levodpa, L-Dopa, spinal cord injury, physiotherapy, rehabilitation pharmacology, neurological rehabilitation | ||||
| Project leadership and contacts / Projektleitung und Kontakte |
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| Funding source(s) / Unterstützt durch |
Foundation |
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| Duration of Project / Projektdauer | Jan 2002 to Apr 2007 |