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Modulation of Locomotor Patterns and Spasticity with Clonidine in Spinal Cord Injured Patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

J.E. Stewart ,
H. Barbeau  and
S. Gauthier
J.E. Stewart
Affiliation:
School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal
H. Barbeau*
Affiliation:
School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal
S. Gauthier
Affiliation:
School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal
*
School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, 3654 Drummond Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3G 1Y5
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Abstract:

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This double blind cross-over study, involving 9 chronic spinal cord injured (SCI) patients (6 paraplegic and 3 paretic), was a first attempt to investigate the effects of the noradrenergic agonist, clonidine, on the modulation of the locomotor pattern and spasticity in patients with spinal cord lesions. Electromyographic (EMG), footswitch and video recordings were made as the patients walked on a treadmill with the support of an overhead harness if needed. Overground locomotion was also assessed in the paretic patients. All 3 spastic paretic patients had kinematic deviations and abnormal EMG recruitment profiles during the premedication or placebo sessions. With clonidine therapy one patient demonstrated a marked improvement in locomotor function. This patient progressed from non-ambulation to limited independent ambulation as the extent of coactivation in antogonist muscles decreased. The other 2 paretics who presented limited spasticity showed minimal changes while on clonidine. In the paraplegic patients, clonidine did not elicit locomotor activity, although there were marked reductions in stretch reactions and clonus during assisted locomotion. They remained incapable of locomotion, either during the control period or during the clonidine therapy. These results indicate that clonidine may be a potentially useful medication for both locomotion and certain manifestations of spasticity in SCI patients but further investigation is warranted.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 18 , Issue 3 , August 1991 , pp. 321 - 332
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 1991

References

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