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Fadil R, Huether AXA, Sadeghian F, Verma AK, Blaber AP, Lou JS, Tavakolian K. The Effect of Skeletal Muscle-Pump on Blood Pressure and Postural Control in Parkinson's Disease. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2023; 14:755-773. [PMID: 37749359 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-023-00685-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Activation of the calf (gastrocnemius and soleus) and tibialis anterior muscles play an important role in blood pressure regulation (via muscle-pump mechanism) and postural control. Parkinson's disease is associated with calf (and tibialis anterior muscles weakness and stiffness, which contribute to postural instability and associated falls. In this work, we studied the role of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and soleus muscle contractions in maintaining blood pressure and postural stability in Parkinson's patients and healthy controls during standing. In addition, we investigated whether the activation of the calf and tibialis anterior muscles is baroreflex dependent or postural-mediated. METHODS We recorded electrocardiogram, blood pressure, center of pressure as a measure of postural sway, and muscle activity from the medial and lateral gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and soleus muscles from twenty-six Parkinson's patients and eighteen sex and age-matched healthy controls during standing and with eyes open. The interaction and bidirectional causalities between the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and postural variables were studied using wavelet transform coherence and convergent cross-mapping techniques, respectively. RESULTS Parkinson's patients experienced a higher postural sway and demonstrated mechanical muscle-pump dysfunction of all individual leg muscles, all of which contribute to postural instability. Moreover, our results showed that coupling between the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and postural variables is affected by Parkinson's disease while the contribution of the calf and tibialis anterior muscles is greater for blood pressure regulation than postural sway. CONCLUSION The outcomes of this study could assist in the development of appropriate physical exercise programs that target lower limb muscles to improve the muscle-pump function and reduce postural instability in Parkinson's disease.
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Huether AX, Pottinger T, Lou JS. Screening cut-off scores for clinically significant fatigue in early Parkinson's disease. Clin Park Relat Disord 2023; 9:100228. [PMID: 38021342 PMCID: PMC10656208 DOI: 10.1016/j.prdoa.2023.100228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fatigue is one of the most disabling non-motor symptoms in PD. Researchers have previously used cut-offs validated in non-PD conditions when using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) or the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) scores to evaluate fatigue in PD. Objective We used a set of criteria for diagnosing clinically significant fatigue in PD to identify the proper cut-offs of the FSS and MFI. Methods One hundred thirty-one PD patients (59F; age 67.3 ± 7.6 y; H&Y 1.6 ± 0.7) were assessed for clinically significant fatigue, followed by the FSS, MFI, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA). Mean scores were compared between 17 patients who met diagnostic criteria (significant fatigue group, SFG) and 114 who did not (non-significant fatigue group, NSFG). Results The SFG had significantly higher scores in the 9-item FSS (p <.0001), total MFI score (p <.0001), and every MFI dimension except reduced motivation (p =.1) than the NSFG. Using area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, we recommend the following cut-offs: 9-item FSS 37; total MFI 60; general fatigue 11; reduced activity 10; physical fatigue 9; mental fatigue 9; and reduced motivation 9. Conclusions The recommended cut-offs for clinically significant fatigue in the FSS, MFI, and MFI dimensions will be valuable for diagnosing clinically significant fatigue and for future studies in investigating pathophysiology and potential treatments of fatigue in PD.
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Fadil R, Huether AXA, Verma AK, Brunnemer R, Blaber AP, Lou JS, Tavakolian K. Effect of Parkinson’s Disease on Cardio-postural Coupling During Orthostatic Challenge. Front Physiol 2022; 13:863877. [PMID: 35755448 PMCID: PMC9214860 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.863877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac baroreflex and leg muscles activation are two important mechanisms for blood pressure regulation, failure of which could result in syncope and falls. Parkinson’s disease is known to be associated with cardiac baroreflex impairment and skeletal muscle dysfunction contributing to falls. However, the mechanical effect of leg muscles contractions on blood pressure (muscle-pump) and the baroreflex-like responses of leg muscles to blood pressure changes is yet to be comprehensively investigated. In this study, we examined the involvement of the cardiac baroreflex and this hypothesized reflex muscle-pump function (cardio-postural coupling) to maintain blood pressure in Parkinson’s patients and healthy controls during an orthostatic challenge induced via a head-up tilt test. We also studied the mechanical effect of the heart and leg muscles contractions on blood pressure. We recorded electrocardiogram blood pressure and electromyogram from 21 patients with Parkinson’s disease and 18 age-matched healthy controls during supine, head-up tilt at 70°, and standing positions with eyes open. The interaction and bidirectional causalities between the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal signals were studied using wavelet transform coherence and convergent cross mapping techniques, respectively. Parkinson’s patients displayed an impaired cardiac baroreflex and a reduced mechanical effect of the heart on blood pressure during supine, tilt and standing positions. However, the effectiveness of the cardiac baroreflex decreased in both Parkinson’s patients and healthy controls during standing as compared to supine. In addition, Parkinson’s patients demonstrated cardio-postural coupling impairment along with a mechanical muscle pump dysfunction which both could lead to dizziness and falls. Moreover, the cardiac baroreflex had a limited effect on blood pressure during standing while lower limb muscles continued to contract and maintain blood pressure via the muscle-pump mechanism. The study findings highlighted altered bidirectional coupling between heart rate and blood pressure, as well as between muscle activity and blood pressure in Parkinson’s disease. The outcomes of this study could assist in the development of appropriate physical exercise programs to reduce falls in Parkinson’s disease by monitoring the cardiac baroreflex and cardio-postural coupling effect on maintaining blood pressure.
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Fadil R, Huether A, Brunnemer R, Blaber AP, Lou JS, Tavakolian K. Early Detection of Parkinson's Disease Using Center of Pressure Data and Machine Learning. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2021; 2021:2433-2436. [PMID: 34891772 DOI: 10.1109/embc46164.2021.9630451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder resulting in abnormal body movements. Postural instability is one of the primary motor symptoms of PD and contributes to falls. Measurement of postural sway through center of pressure (COP) data might be an objective indicator of Parkinson's disease. The goal of this work is to use machine learning to evaluate if different features of postural sway can differentiate PD patients from healthy controls. Time domain, frequency domain, time-frequency, and structural features were extracted from COP data collected from 19 PD patients and 13 healthy controls (HC). The calculated parameters were input to various machine-learning models to classify PD and HC. Random Forest outperformed the rest of the classifiers in terms of accuracy, false negative rate, F1-score, and precision. Time domain features had the best performance in differentiating PD from HC compared to other feature groups.
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Verma AK, Aarotale PN, Dehkordi P, Lou JS, Tavakolian K. Relationship between Ischemic Stroke and Pulse Rate Variability as a Surrogate of Heart Rate Variability. Brain Sci 2019; 9:E162. [PMID: 31295816 PMCID: PMC6680838 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9070162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autonomic reflex ascertains cardiovascular homeostasis during standing. Impaired autonomic reflex could lead to dizziness and falls while standing; this is prevalent in stroke survivors. Pulse rate variability (PRV) has been utilized in the literature in lieu of heart rate variability (HRV) for ambulatory and portable monitoring of autonomic reflex predominantly in young, healthy individuals. Here, we compared the PRV with gold standard HRV for monitoring autonomic reflex in ischemic stroke survivors. Continuous blood pressure and electrocardiography were acquired from ischemic stroke survivors (64 ± 1 years) and age-matched controls (65 ± 2 years) during a 10-minute sit-to-stand test. Beat-by-beat heart period (represented by RR and peak-to-peak (PP) intervals), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse arrival time (PAT), an indicator of arterial stiffness, were derived. Time and frequency domain HRV (from RR intervals) and PRV (from PP intervals) metrics were extracted. PAT was lower (248 ± 7 ms vs. 270 ± 8 ms, p < 0.05) suggesting higher arterial stiffness in stroke survivors compared to controls during standing. Further, compared to controls, the agreement between HRV and PRV was impaired in stroke survivors while standing. The study outcomes suggest that caution should be exercised when considering PRV as a surrogate of HRV for monitoring autonomic cardiovascular control while standing in stroke survivors.
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Sanders DB, Harati Y, Juel VC, Lou JS, Marburger T, Pascuzzi RM, Peltier AC, Richman DP, Smith AG. Reply. Muscle Nerve 2018; 57:E130-E131. [PMID: 29406616 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Sanders DB, Juel VC, Harati Y, Smith AG, Peltier AC, Marburger T, Lou JS, Pascuzzi RM, Richman DP, Xie T, Demmel V, Jacobus LR, Aleš KL, Jacobus DP. 3,4-diaminopyridine base effectively treats the weakness of Lambert-Eaton myasthenia. Muscle Nerve 2018; 57:561-568. [PMID: 29280483 PMCID: PMC5900968 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: 3,4‐diaminopyridine has been used to treat Lambert‐Eaton myasthenia (LEM) for 30 years despite the lack of conclusive evidence of efficacy. Methods: We conducted a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled withdrawal study in patients with LEM who had been on stable regimens of 3,4‐diaminopyridine base (3,4‐DAP) for ≥ 3 months. The primary efficacy endpoint was >30% deterioration in triple timed up‐and‐go (3TUG) times during tapered drug withdrawal. The secondary endpoint was self‐assessment of LEM–related weakness (W‐SAS). Results: Thirty‐two participants were randomized to continuous 3,4‐DAP or placebo groups. None of the 14 participants who received continuous 3,4‐DAP had > 30% deterioration in 3TUG time versus 72% of the 18 who tapered to placebo (P < 0.0001). W‐SAS similarly demonstrated an advantage for continuous treatment over placebo (P < 0.0001). Requirement for rescue and adverse events were more common in the placebo group. Discussion: This trial provides significant evidence of efficacy of 3,4‐DAP in the maintenance of strength in LEM. Muscle Nerve57: 561–568, 2018
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Brys M, Fox MD, Agarwal S, Biagioni M, Dacpano G, Kumar P, Pirraglia E, Chen R, Wu A, Fernandez H, Wagle Shukla A, Lou JS, Gray Z, Simon DK, Di Rocco A, Pascual-Leone A. Multifocal repetitive TMS for motor and mood symptoms of Parkinson disease: A randomized trial. Neurology 2016; 87:1907-1915. [PMID: 27708129 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000003279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether multifocal, high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of motor and prefrontal cortex benefits motor and mood symptoms in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). METHODS Patients with PD and depression were enrolled in this multicenter, double-blind, sham-controlled, parallel-group study of real or realistic (electric) sham rTMS. Patients were randomized to 1 of 4 groups: bilateral M1 ( + sham dorsolateral prefrontal cortex [DLPFC]), DLPFC ( + sham M1), M1 + DLPFC, or double sham. The TMS course consisted of 10 daily sessions of 2,000 stimuli for the left DLPFC and 1,000 stimuli for each M1 (50 × 4-second trains of 40 stimuli at 10 Hz). Patients were evaluated at baseline, at 1 week, and at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Primary endpoints were changes in motor function assessed with the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-III and in mood with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale at 1 month. RESULTS Of the 160 patients planned for recruitment, 85 were screened, 61 were randomized, and 50 completed all study visits. Real M1 rTMS resulted in greater improvement in motor function than sham at the primary endpoint (p < 0.05). There was no improvement in mood in the DLPFC group compared to the double-sham group, as well as no benefit to combining M1 and DLPFC stimulation for either motor or mood symptoms. CONCLUSIONS In patients with PD with depression, M1 rTMS is an effective treatment of motor symptoms, while mood benefit after 2 weeks of DLPFC rTMS is not better than sham. Targeting both M1 and DLPFC in each rTMS session showed no evidence of synergistic effects. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER NCT01080794. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class I evidence that in patients with PD with depression, M1 rTMS leads to improvement in motor function while DLPFC rTMS does not lead to improvement in depression compared to sham rTMS.
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Carter GT, Weiss MD, Lou JS, Jensen MP, Abresch RT, Martin TK, Hecht TW, Han JJ, Weydt P, Kraft GH. Modafinil to treat fatigue in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: An open label pilot study. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2016; 22:55-9. [PMID: 15736608 DOI: 10.1177/104990910502200112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An open label trial of modafinil was conducted to determine whether it would be tolerated and effective in treating fatigue for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Fifteen patients with ALS were treated for two weeks with either 200 mg or 400 mg of modafinil. Reported side effects of the medication were mild and included diarrhea, headache, nervousness, and insomnia. Side effects did not result in any study dropouts. Following treatment, mean scores on the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) decreased from 51.3 (SD 9.2) to 42.8 (SD 10.2). On the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), mean scores decreased from 8.2 (SD 2.0) to 4.5 (SD 2.4). Reductions in both the FSS and the ESS were significant at p < 0.001. Mean scores on the self-report version of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM-SR) increased from 115.2 (SD 5.6) to 118.1 (SD 5.4), with p < 0.01. This pilot study suggests that modafinil is well-tolerated and may reduce symptoms of fatigue in ALS. Further blinded, controlled studies of modafinil in larger numbers of ALS patients are warranted.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatigue is common in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). It occurs at every stage of PD and affects quality of life. Fatigue severity worsens over time as PD progresses, and it is associated with other non-motor symptoms such as apathy, depression, sleep disorder, and cognitive dysfunction. PURPOSE In this literature review, I discuss the measurement and pathophysiology of fatigue and fatigability. There are no evidence-based treatments for fatigue and fatigability available. I review several pilot studies on the effects of pharmacological agents and exercise on fatigue and fatigability. These studies provide some insights on the design of future larger clinical trials. CONCLUSION Fatigue inventories including The Fatigue Severity Scale, the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, or theParkinson Fatigue Scale are used to assess the severity of fatigue. Finger tapping and force generation are useful in quantifying physical fatigability. A reaction time paradigm such as the Attention Network Test can be used to measure cognitive fatigability. Physical fatigability is associated with the change in cortical excitability in PD measured by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Cognitive fatigability is most likely associated with the neurotransmitter abnormalities (dopaminergic, cholinergic and noradrenergic) in PD. Levodopa, modafanil, methylphenidate, and rasagiline may be effective in treating fatigue and fatigability. Exercise programs may also be effective.
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Kluger BM, Herlofson K, Chou KL, Lou JS, Goetz CG, Lang AE, Weintraub D, Friedman J. Parkinson's disease-related fatigue: A case definition and recommendations for clinical research. Mov Disord 2016; 31:625-31. [PMID: 26879133 DOI: 10.1002/mds.26511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatigue is one of the most common and disabling symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD). Since fatigue was first described as a common feature of PD 20 years ago, little progress has been made in understanding its causes or treatment. Importantly, PD patients attending the 2013 World Parkinson Congress voted fatigue as the leading symptom in need of further research. In response, the Parkinson Disease Foundation and ProjectSpark assembled an international team of experts to create recommendations for clinical research to advance this field. The working group identified several areas in which shared standards would improve research quality and foster progress including terminology, diagnostic criteria, and measurement. Terminology needs to (1) clearly distinguish fatigue from related phenomena (eg, sleepiness, apathy, depression); (2) differentiate subjective fatigue complaints from objective performance fatigability; and (3) specify domains affected by fatigue and causal factors. We propose diagnostic criteria for PD-related fatigue to guide participant selection for clinical trials and add rigor to mechanistic studies. Recommendations are made for measurement of subjective fatigue complaints, performance fatigability, and neurophysiologic changes. We also suggest areas in which future research is needed to address methodological issues and validate or optimize current practices. Many limitations in current PD-related fatigue research may be addressed by improving methodological standards, many of which are already being successfully applied in clinical fatigue research in other medical conditions (eg, cancer, multiple sclerosis). © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Burns TM, Smith GA, Allen JA, Amato AA, Arnold WD, Barohn R, Benatar M, Bird SJ, Bromberg M, Chahin N, Ciafaloni E, Cohen JA, Corse A, Crum BA, David WS, Dimberg E, Sousa EAD, Donofrio PD, Dyck PJB, Engel AG, Ensrud ER, Ferrante M, Freimer M, Gable KL, Gibson S, Gilchrist JM, Goldstein JM, Gooch CL, Goodman BP, Gorelov D, Gospe SM, Goyal NA, Guidon AC, Guptill JT, Gutmann L, Gutmann L, Gwathmey K, Harati Y, Harper CM, Hehir MK, Hobson-Webb LD, Howard JF, Jackson CE, Johnson N, Jones SM, Juel VC, Kaminski HJ, Karam C, Kennelly KD, Khella S, Khoury J, Kincaid JC, Kissel JT, Kolb N, Lacomis D, Ladha S, Larriviere D, Lewis RA, Li Y, Litchy WJ, Logigian E, Lou JS, MacGowen DJ, Maselli R, Massey JM, Mauermann ML, Mathews KD, Meriggioli MN, Miller RG, Moon JS, Mozaffar T, Nations SP, Nowak RJ, Ostrow LW, Pascuzzi RM, Peltier A, Ruzhansky K, Richman DP, Ross MA, Rubin DEVONI, Russell JA, Sachs GM, Salajegheh MK, Saperstein DS, Scelsa S, Selcen D, Shaibani A, Shieh PB, Silvestri NJ, Singleton JR, Smith BE, So YT, Solorzano G, Sorenson EJ, Srinivasen J, Tavee J, Tawil R, Thaisetthawatkul P, Thornton C, Trivedi J, Vernino S, Wang AK, Webb TA, Weiss MD, Windebank AJ, Wolfe GI. Editorial by concerned physicians: Unintended effect of the orphan drug act on the potential cost of 3,4-diaminopyridine. Muscle Nerve 2015; 53:165-8. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.25009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Wills AM, Hubbard J, Macklin EA, Glass J, Tandan R, Simpson EP, Brooks B, Gelinas D, Mitsumoto H, Mozaffar T, Hanes GP, Ladha SS, Heiman-Patterson T, Katz J, Lou JS, Mahoney K, Grasso D, Lawson R, Yu H, Cudkowicz M. Hypercaloric enteral nutrition in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial. Lancet 2014; 383:2065-2072. [PMID: 24582471 PMCID: PMC4176708 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(14)60222-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with few therapeutic options. Mild obesity is associated with greater survival in patients with the disease, and calorie-dense diets increased survival in a mouse model. We aimed to assess the safety and tolerability of two hypercaloric diets in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis receiving enteral nutrition. METHODS In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised phase 2 clinical trial, we enrolled adults with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis from participating centres in the USA. Eligible participants were aged 18 years or older with no history of diabetes or liver or cardiovascular disease, and who were already receiving percutaneous enteral nutrition. We randomly assigned participants (1:1:1) using a computer-generated list of random numbers to one of three dietary interventions: replacement calories using an isocaloric tube-fed diet (control), a high-carbohydrate hypercaloric tube-fed diet (HC/HC), or a high-fat hypercaloric tube-fed diet (HF/HC). Participants received the intervention diets for 4 months and were followed up for 5 months. The primary outcomes were safety and tolerability, analysed in all patients who began their study diet. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00983983. FINDINGS Between Dec 14, 2009, and Nov 2, 2012, we enrolled 24 participants, of whom 20 started their study diet (six in the control group, eight in the HC/HC group, and six in the HF/HC group). One patient in the control group, one in the HC/HC group, and two in the HF/HC group withdrew consent before receiving the intervention. Participants who received the HC/HC diet had a smaller total number of adverse events than did those in the other groups (23 in the HC/HC group vs 42 in the control group vs 48 in the HF/HC group; overall, p=0.06; HC/HC vs control, p=0.06) and significantly fewer serious adverse events than did those on the control diet (none vs nine; p=0.0005). Fewer patients in the HC/HC group discontinued their study diet due to adverse events (none [0%] of eight in the HC/HC group vs three [50%] of six in the control group). During the 5 month follow-up, no deaths occurred in the nine patients assigned to the HC/HC diet compared with three deaths (43%) in the seven patients assigned to the control diet (log-rank p=0.03). Adverse events, tolerability, deaths, and disease progression did not differ significantly between the HF/HC group and the control group. INTERPRETATION Our results provide preliminary evidence that hypercaloric enteral nutrition is safe and tolerable in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and support the study of nutritional interventions in larger randomised controlled trials at earlier stages of the disease. FUNDING Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes of Health, and Harvard NeuroDiscovery Center.
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Dimitrova A, Lou JS, Andrea S, Luo Y, Murchison C, Oken B. Local Effects of Acupuncture on the Median and Ulnar Nerves in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS): Study Design and Preliminary Results. J Altern Complement Med 2014. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2014.5107.abstract] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Lou JS, Dimitrova DM, Hammerschlag R, Nutt J, Hunt EA, Eaton RW, Johnson SC, Davis MD, Arnold GC, Andrea SB, Oken BS. Effect of expectancy and personality on cortical excitability in Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord 2013; 28:1257-62. [PMID: 23630185 DOI: 10.1002/mds.25471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2012] [Revised: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous studies in Parkinson's disease have shown that both levodopa and expectancy of receiving levodopa reduce cortical excitability. We designed this study to evaluate how degree of expectancy and other individual factors modulate placebo response in Parkinson's patients. Twenty-six Parkinson's patients were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: 0%, 50%, and 100% expectancy of receiving levodopa. All subjects received placebo regardless of expectancy group. Subjects completed the NEO-Five Factor Inventory, General Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale, and Perceived Stress Scale. Cortical excitability was measured by the amplitude of motor-evoked potential (MEP) evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation. Objective physical fatigue of extensor carpi radialis before and after placebo levodopa was also measured. Responders were defined as subjects who responded to the placebo levodopa with a decrease in MEP. Degree of expectancy had a significant effect on MEP response (P < .05). Subjects in the 50% and 100% expectancy groups responded with a decrease in MEP, whereas those in the 0% expectancy group responded with an increase in MEP (P < .05). Responders tended to be more open to experience than nonresponders. There were no significant changes in objective physical fatigue between the expectancy groups or between responders and nonresponders. Expectancy is associated with changes in cortical excitability. Further studies are needed to examine the relationship between personality and placebo effect in Parkinson's patients. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society.
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Wolf SL, Lou JS, Bogey R, Hayes J, Roth E, Cordo PJ. Abstract 122: AMES Treatment of Severe Hand Impairment Following Stroke. Stroke 2013. [DOI: 10.1161/str.44.suppl_1.a122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine whether AMES (Assisted Movement with Enhanced Sensation), a novel therapeutic intervention that addresses impairments, rather than function, can reduce impairment and restore lost function in persons with a severely disabled hand. Forty-three participants with stroke (>1 yr post-injury) were provided with thirty 30-min AMES treatments over 10 weeks. Of these participants, 24 had no baseline active extension of any finger of the affected hand. Participants were randomized to 1 of 2 treatment groups differentiated by the kind of biofeedback (active torque or EMG) associated with the AMES intervention. During treatment, a robotic device cyclically opened and closed the hand (5 deg/s, ±15 deg) while the participant assisted this movement using visual biofeedback, and while vibration (60 pulses/s, 2 mm) was applied to the lengthening muscles. Participants were evaluated twice, before and after the treatment period, with the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-UE), Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), and Box-and-Block Test. In addition, during each treatment session, the AMES robot tested each participant’s strength of thumb-and-finger flexion and extension. Both torque and EMG were recorded during this Strength Test in participants assigned to the EMG-biofeedback group. The results showed overall a significant increase in the FMA-UE score (t-test, p<0.001), SIS score (t-test, p<0.05), and Box-and-Block Test score (Wilcoxon, p<0.005), without any difference between the 2 treatment groups. Four of the 24 initially plegic participants recovered the ability to move one or more blocks; however, all participants showing improvement in the Box-and-Block Test had a baseline FMA score of ≥17. Analysis of EMG during the hand-opening part of the Strength Test showed that AMES treatment of the EMG-biofeedback group significantly increased the amplitude of extensor activity (t-test, p<0.001) and decreased flexor co-contraction (t-test, p<0.05). We conclude that AMES coupled with either type of biofeedback may be effective at reducing impairment and increasing function in the severely impaired hand following stroke.
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Lou JS. Techniques in Assessing Fatigue in Neuromuscular Diseases. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2012; 23:11-22, ix. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2011.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Davis M, Lou JS. Management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by the family nurse practitioner: A timeline for anticipated referrals. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 23:464-72. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7599.2011.00628.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Lou JS, Weiss MD, Carter GT. Assessment and management of fatigue in neuromuscular disease. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2010; 27:145-57. [PMID: 20190203 DOI: 10.1177/1049909109358420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatigue is a common and potentially debilitating symptom of neuromuscular disease (NMD). Studies show that patients with NMD subjectively report increased levels of fatigue. Laboratory testing has demonstrated that patients with NMD show objective physiological signs of increased fatigue, with both central and peripheral components. To date, no treatment has been proven to be truly effective through evidence-based medicine. Thus, the clinician must use a multimodality approach to treating fatigue in patients with NMD. Management interventions are generally based on a sequential approach including treatment of comorbid factors, with the goal of maximizing physical and psychological functioning. This might include low-intensity exercise training, cognitive therapy, treatment of associated depression, correction of risk factors such as obesity, poor nutrition, and inactivity (deconditioning). Optimizing cardiopulmonary function is also critical and measures such as noninvasive, positive pressure ventilation may reduce fatigue in patients with NMD. Novel medications such as modafinil, a nonamphetamine stimulant, may be a helpful pharmacological treatment. Nutraceutical agents, such as creatine monohydrate, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and alpha-lipoic acid, may also improve neuromuscular function and reduce fatigue.
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Lou JS, Moore D, Gordon PH, Miller R. Correlates of quality of life in ALS: Lessons from the minocycline study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 11:116-21. [DOI: 10.3109/17482960902918719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Jacobs JV, Lou JS, Kraakevik JA, Horak FB. The supplementary motor area contributes to the timing of the anticipatory postural adjustment during step initiation in participants with and without Parkinson's disease. Neuroscience 2009; 164:877-85. [PMID: 19665521 PMCID: PMC2762010 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2009] [Revised: 07/17/2009] [Accepted: 08/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The supplementary motor area (SMA) is thought to contribute to the generation of anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs, which act to stabilize supporting body segments prior to movement), but its precise role remains unclear. In addition, participants with Parkinson's disease (PD) exhibit impaired function of the SMA as well as decreased amplitudes and altered timing of the APA during step initiation, but the contribution of the SMA to these impairments also remains unclear. To determine how the SMA contributes to generating the APA and to the impaired APAs of participants with PD, we examined the voluntary steps of eight participants with PD and eight participants without PD, before and after disrupting the SMA and dorsolateral premotor cortex (dlPMC), in separate sessions, with 1-Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Both groups exhibited decreased durations of their APAs after rTMS over the SMA but not over the dlPMC. Peak amplitudes of the APAs were unaffected by rTMS to either site. The symptom severity of the participants with PD positively correlated with the extent that rTMS over the SMA affected the durations of their APAs. The results suggest that the SMA contributes to the timing of the APA and that participants with PD exhibit impaired timing of their APAs, in part, due to progressive dysfunction of circuits associated with the SMA.
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Anderson VC, Burchiel KJ, Hart MJ, Berk C, Lou JS. A randomized comparison of thalamic stimulation and lesion on self-paced finger movement in essential tremor. Neurosci Lett 2009; 462:166-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2009.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2009] [Revised: 06/11/2009] [Accepted: 07/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Fried-Oken M, Fox L, Rau MT, Tullman J, Baker G, Hindal M, Wile N, Lou JS. Purposes of AAC device use for persons with ALS as reported by caregivers. Augment Altern Commun 2009; 22:209-21. [PMID: 17114164 DOI: 10.1080/07434610600650276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Thirty-four informal caregivers who support 26 persons with ALS reported on AAC technology use. Each caregiver completed the Communication Device Use Checklist, a survey tool developed for this study based on Light's (1988) classification of the purposes of social interaction (Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 4, 66-82). The checklist includes 17 purposes of communication and asks participants to judge importance, mode, and frequency of use for each purpose. Results show that the three communication purposes used most frequently and valued as important by caregivers involve regulating the behavior of others for basic needs and wants (getting needs met; giving instructions or directions to others; and clarifying needs). Consistent reports of use and frequency for the purposes of staying connected (social closeness) and discussing important issues (information transfer) indicate that AAC technology can assist the dyad in maintaining previous relationships. The face-to-face spontaneous conversation mode is used most frequently, despite the slow rate of production, the lack of permanence, and the demands on conversational partners during message generation. Clinical and research implications are discussed.
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Lou JS. Physical and mental fatigue in Parkinson's disease: epidemiology, pathophysiology and treatment. Drugs Aging 2009; 26:195-208. [PMID: 19358616 DOI: 10.2165/00002512-200926030-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Fatigue is one of the most common non-motor complaints of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and is associated with reduced activity and poorer quality of life. Fatigue can be experienced as a state of being tired or weary (subjective fatigue) or as a process of becoming tired or fatigued (fatigability). Subjective mental and physical fatigue are evaluated using self-report questionnaires such as the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory. Physical fatigability is studied in a laboratory setting using physical exercise protocols and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Mental fatigability is evaluated by measuring attention over time using a reaction-time paradigm called the Attention Network Test (ANT). PD patients report more subjective physical and mental fatigue than controls on a variety of fatigue questionnaires. PD patients have increased physical fatigability in force generation and finger tapping. Levodopa and modafinil improve physical fatigability in PD subjects. Methylphenidate is useful for treating subjective physical fatigue. PD subjects have greater mental fatigability than control subjects and display abnormal performance in all three attention networks in the ANT. Therapies targeting the neurotransmitter systems involved in attention may be helpful for treating mental fatigability. Future fatigue research should focus on developing gold standards for fatigue measurement and developing treatments for fatigue and fatigability in PD.
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