Effects of lipoic acid on walking performance, gait, and balance in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis

Complement Ther Med. 2018 Dec:41:169-174. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.09.006. Epub 2018 Sep 22.

Abstract

Background: Gait and balance impairment is common in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). Lipoic acid (LA), an over-the-counter antioxidant, is effective in MS animal models and may improve walking speed, but effects on mobility are unreported.

Objective: Examine the effects of 1200 mg daily oral dose of LA versus placebo (PLA) on gait and balance in a 2-year, randomized, double-blind pilot study.

Methods: 134 participants were screened for eligibility before assignment to LA (n = 28) or PLA (n = 26). Included here were, 21 participants with SPMS who took LA (N = 11) or PLA (N = 10) capsules for 2 years (enrolled May 2, 2011 - August 14, 2015) and completed all tasks without the use of an assistive device. Participants completed the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and quiet standing tasks every 6 months while wearing inertial sensors (APDM Opals) to quantify mobility.

Results: LA had a medium effect on time to complete TUG at 2 years (g = 0.51; 95% CI = -0.35, 1.38). In a subset of 18 participants with less disability (EDSS < 6, no use of ambulatory device), turning time was significantly shorter with LA (p = 0.048, Δ= 0.48 s). No differences in balance metrics were found between groups.

Conclusions: LA had an effect on walking performance in people with SPMS, particularly in those with lower baseline disability.

Trial registration: Lipoic Acid for Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01188811?term=spain+lipoic+acid&rank=1 NCT0118881.

Keywords: Antioxidant; Inertial sensors; Posture; Rehabilitation; Sway; Timed up and go.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Exercise Test / drug effects
  • Female
  • Gait / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive / physiopathology
  • Posture / physiology
  • Thioctic Acid / pharmacology
  • Thioctic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Walking / physiology*

Substances

  • Thioctic Acid