Gerard E Francisco1, Corwin Boake. 1. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Alliance, Baylor College of Medicine and University of Texas-Houston Medical School, Houston, TX, USA. francg@tirr.tmc.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To explore whether intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy improves ambulation in stroke survivors. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Tertiary care center. PARTICIPANTS: Ten adults with poststroke hemiparesis who were ambulatory at the time of pump implantation. INTERVENTIONS: Implantation of ITB pump after inadequate control of spasticity with other interventions. Time from stroke onset to implantation averaged 28.6 months (range, 9-55mo). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Customary walking speed was measured from the time required to walk 50ft (15m) at a self-selected pace. Evaluators rated spastic hypertonia and functional mobility. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements occurred in walking speed, functional mobility ratings, and spasticity (P<.05) at a follow-up interval that averaged 8.9 months. Mean walking speed over 50ft improved from 36.6 to 52cm/s. Mean Modified Ashworth Scale scores in the muscles of the affected lower limb improved from 2.0 to 0.4. Normal muscle strength (5/5) was preserved in the unaffected limbs. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study suggests that ITB therapy, in combination with physical therapy, may improve walking speed and functional mobility in ambulatory individuals with poststroke spastic hemiplegia.
OBJECTIVE: To explore whether intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy improves ambulation in stroke survivors. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Tertiary care center. PARTICIPANTS: Ten adults with poststroke hemiparesis who were ambulatory at the time of pump implantation. INTERVENTIONS: Implantation of ITB pump after inadequate control of spasticity with other interventions. Time from stroke onset to implantation averaged 28.6 months (range, 9-55mo). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Customary walking speed was measured from the time required to walk 50ft (15m) at a self-selected pace. Evaluators rated spastic hypertonia and functional mobility. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements occurred in walking speed, functional mobility ratings, and spasticity (P<.05) at a follow-up interval that averaged 8.9 months. Mean walking speed over 50ft improved from 36.6 to 52cm/s. Mean Modified Ashworth Scale scores in the muscles of the affected lower limb improved from 2.0 to 0.4. Normal muscle strength (5/5) was preserved in the unaffected limbs. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study suggests that ITB therapy, in combination with physical therapy, may improve walking speed and functional mobility in ambulatory individuals with poststroke spastic hemiplegia.