Body weight -supported gait training in poststroke hemiparetic patients undergoing treatment with serotonin reuptake inhibitors: A pilot study

• Main Author: Burke-Doe, Annie Patrice
• Format: Others
• Published: Scholarly Commons 2003
• Subjects: Pharmaceuticals; Rehabilitation; Therapy; Stroke; Patients; Inhibitor drugs; Health and environmental sciences; Body weight; Gait; Hemiparetic; Poststroke; Serotonin reuptake inhibitors
• Online Access: https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/2637; https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3636&context=uop_etds

Background and purpose . This pilot study examined SSRI's in association with partial body weight treadmill training (PBWTT) to improve locomotion post stroke. Serotonin is thought to play a role in recovery of motor function such as locomotion on a treadmill eliciting the central pattern generators (CPG's) identified from animal models. There would be benefits in knowing if serotonin combined with PBWTT influenced motor recovery. The purpose of the study was to determine if patients undergoing treatment with an SSRI would improve in locomotor function to a greater degree than patients not receiving an SSRI. Subjects and methods . Non clinically depressed post stroke patients (N = 4) and clinically depressed post stroke patients on SSRI's (N = 4) were assigned to two groups of convenience. Initial baseline performance was established at two evaluation points using functional gait tests, balance tests, and electomyographical analysis during performance of locomotion over an eight week period (Pre 1 & Pre 2). Intervention of PBWTT was introduced for eight weeks and subjects were evaluated again (Post 1). Subjects returned four weeks later for a follow up evaluation (Post 2). The intervention included training three days a week for eight weeks utilizing PBWTT. Data was analyzed using non parametric statistics. Results . All subjects improved in gait velocity, distance covered and assistance needs as it relates to the PBWTT. Functional gait, balance and gait characteristic improved in both groups with significant differences noted in the “timed up and go test” and Tinetti Assessment in the group undergoing treatment with SSRI's. Weight bearing squat scores improved in both groups with a greater significance at 0 and 30 degrees of knee flexion in the subjects under the influence of SSRI's. The limits of stability scores (LOS) and sensory organization test (SOT) improved in both groups without significant differences. Electromyographical data supported visual observations for improvement of gait deviations and improved on-off timing during the gait cycle in both groups. Conclusion . This study would indicate comparing SSRI therapy and specific functional movement learning for further study.