Treatment of Mild Camptocormia with Selegiline in Patients with Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Camptocormia in Parkinson's disease (PD) is unresponsive to various therapies and induced difficulties in their day-to-day life.

OBJECTIVE: This study, an open trial, was aimed at assessing the efficacy of selegiline in the treatment of mild camptocormia in PD patients.

METHODS: Participants were administered 5 mg of selegiline for the first 8 weeks and 7.5 mg for the second 8 weeks.

RESULTS: As primary endpoints, the degree of thoracolumbar anteflexion decreased from 23.2° (mean) (11.8° (SD)) at baseline to 18.3° (7.1°) at 16 weeks, and the area of postural sway measured using a Gravicorder increased. However, the differences were not significant. Thoracolumbar anteflexion improved in 60% of the participants.

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, 60% of the participants showed an improvement in anteflexion of the thoracolumbar spine with selegiline, but the change in the degree of anteflexion was 5°, which was not statistically significant. Participants with significant improvement in thoracolumbar anteflexion had an increased postural sway. This change was induced by a decrease in truncal muscle tonus or change in the center of gravity. This study combined the study of anteflexion and stability, and provides information on the treatment of short-term or mild camptocormia.