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Published on: October 11, 2024
Dexamphetamine improves upper extremity outcome during rehabilitation after stroke: a pilot randomized controlled
Corina Schuster1, Gerd Maunz, Karin Lutz
1Reha Rheinfelden, Rheinfelden, Switzerland.
Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair
|June 30, 2011
Summary
Adding dexamphetamine to physiotherapy significantly improved activities of daily living (ADL) and arm function in stroke rehabilitation patients. This small trial suggests dexamphetamine can augment physiotherapy for better patient recovery outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurorehabilitation
- Pharmacological interventions in stroke recovery
Background:
- Early inpatient stroke rehabilitation effectiveness varies.
- Amphetamine combined with physiotherapy shows inconsistent results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if dexamphetamine enhances activities of daily living (ADL) and motor function recovery.
- Investigate the efficacy of dexamphetamine as an adjunct to physiotherapy in stroke patients.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 16 stroke patients.
- Patients received either dexamphetamine or placebo alongside physiotherapy for 5 weeks.
- Outcomes measured using Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment (CMSA) at multiple time points.
Main Results:
- The dexamphetamine group showed significant improvements in ADL (P=.023) and arm function (P=.020).
- No adverse events were reported during the study.
- Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, except for leg function.
Conclusions:
- Dexamphetamine, when added to physiotherapy, may augment stroke rehabilitation outcomes.
- Significant gains in ADL and arm function observed suggest optimal dosing and timing are key.
- Future studies should include at least 25 patients per group to confirm findings.
