Effect of baclofen on gait in spastic MS patients

(C) Munksgaard 2000. Objectives - To measure gait and postural stability by objective methods in spastic MS patients and to evaluate the effect of bac lofen on gait and postural stability. Patients ann methods - Fourteen spast ic MS patients were examined in a placebo controlled double-blind, cross-ov er trial of oral baclofen treatment. The gait was measured on a computerize d treadmill and postural stability was measured on a computer assisted forc e-plate. Results - Only insignificant improvements in the clinical measurem ents during baclofen treatment were found. At baseline gait was characteriz ed by low speed, short steps and unsteadiness. Postural stability was sever ely impaired. During baclofen treatment only vertical unsteadiness of gait diminished significantly. Discussion - We conclude that patients primarily with spasticity, concomitant with hampering or painful spasms and co-contra ctions should be offered treatment with baclofen. Only some will experience improvement of their gait disorders, when treated with baclofen.