Short-term effect of amantadine sulphate on motor performance and reaction time in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

In thirty patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) we examined in a prospectively designed study the effect on motor performance and cognitive functions of amantadine sulphate, applied intravenously over a period of 14 days. Prior to the introduction of amantadine and post infusionem the motor function was measured by the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and the Motor Performance Test Series (MPS); the simple and the choice reaction time were assessed using the Vienna Reaction Unit (VRU). The primary endpoint of efficacy was the change in the UPDRS part III (motor examination) after 14 days of amantadine sulphate administration compared with baseline. Secondary endpoints were changes in the variables of the MPS and VRU at the end of administration interval compared with baseline.