Effects of dalfampridine on multi-dimensional aspects of gait and dexterity in multiple sclerosis among timed walk responders and non-responders.

BACKGROUND Dalfampridine extended release 10mg tablets (D-ER) have demonstrated improvement in walking for ambulatory persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), termed "responders." OBJECTIVE This study examined the extent additional aspects of gait and dexterity change for patients prescribed D-ER. METHODS Over 14-weeks, walking endurance, dynamic gait, self-report walking ability and fine and gross dexterity were examined in pwMS prescribed D-ER as a part of routine clinical care. RESULTS The final results (n=39) validate that a subset of pwMS improve walking speed (Time 25-Foot Walk Test, p<0.0001). Significant improvements in gait and dexterity were observed even among participants who did not improve walking speed. Improvements were evident in gait and dexterity domains including Six Minute Walk Test, p=0.007, Six-Spot Step Test, p<0.0001, Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12, p<0.0001, Nine Hole Peg Test, p<0.0001 dominant and non-dominant sides, and Box and Blocks Test, p=0.005 and 0.002, dominant and non-dominant sides, respectively. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that D-ER may be a potential treatment for gait impairments, beyond walking speed and dexterity in pwMS. Further investigation regarding D-ER response is warranted.