Lpoic acid helps walking in SPMS

[NHE]

Effects of lipoic acid on walking performance, gait, and balance in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.
Complement Ther Med. 2018 Dec;41:169-174.

• 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/NCT ... cid&rank=1 NCT0118881.