A double-blind placebo-controlled study of the effects of amphetamine and physiotherapy after stroke

Major therapeutic advances in the rehabilitation of subacute stroke are lac king. One promising approach is treatment with amphetamine in combination w ith physiotherapy so as to promote motor function. In a randomized, double- blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, the effect of 10 sessions with 10 mg of amphetamine combined with physiotherapy during a 5-week period was i nvestigated in 39 geriatric patients who had been admitted to a stroke reha bilitation unit. Motor function (Fugl-Meyer motor performance score) and ac tivities of daily living (ADL; Barthel's index) were assessed at baseline a nd at the end of treatment. All patients improved significantly over the in tervention period. Amphetamine-treated patients did not show any increase i n motor function or ADL as compared to the control group. Rehabilitation wi th amphetamine at this dosage and interval, combined with physiotherapy, di d not promote motor recovery or functional capacity in patients suffering f rom stroke. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.