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Randomized controlled trial of modafinil for the treatment of fatigue in postpolio patients
Author(s) -
Chan K. Ming,
Strohschein Fay J.,
Rydz David,
Allidina Amyn,
Shuaib Ashfaq,
Westbury Chris F.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.20437
Subject(s) - modafinil , medicine , placebo , epworth sleepiness scale , randomized controlled trial , physical therapy , psychiatry , alternative medicine , apnea , pathology , polysomnography
The purpose of this study was to test whether modafinil is effective in alleviating the symptoms of fatigue in postpolio patients, because it has been helpful for such symptoms in other neurologic disorders. Using a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled cross‐over design, 14 postpolio patients with moderate to severe fatigue were assigned to receive modafinil or placebo first. Piper Fatigue Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, digit span, and reaction time tests were done at baseline and then at weekly intervals. The Piper Fatigue Scale scores improved by 27 ± 40% (mean ± SD) following modafinil and by 43 ± 36% following placebo. Scores for most of the other tests did not change during the study. Therefore, we conclude that modafinil was not effective in alleviating the symptoms of fatigue in postpolio patients. Muscle Nerve, 2005