Article

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.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Identifiant basis : 2003227812