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Effect of psychostimulant medications on physical function in children with cerebral palsy: scoping review

Pediatric Research volume 95, pages 1217–1223 (2024)Cite this article

Abstract

The aim of this scoping review is to examine the extent and depth of the literature on effects of central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medications on physical function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). A systematic search for relevant peer-reviewed studies was conducted of PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, SPORTDiscus, Embase, & Scopus (January 2002 & August 2022). We included studies that examined the effects of CNS stimulants on physical function in children with CP. Four studies met our selection criteria. All studies explored the effect of Modafinil on physical function outcomes. Three studies of the four included studies reported positive effects of Modafinil on spasticity, motor performance, and gait, whereas one study reported no significant effects of Modafinil. Our findings suggest that there is very low-quality evidence that suggests that Modafinil may enhance physical improvements in body structure and function, including reduction in spasticity and improvements in gait parameters.

Impact

  • Central nervous system stimulants were examined for efficacy on physical function and spasticity in children with cerebral palsy.

  • The evidence on the effects of central nervous system stimulants on physical function in children with CP is limited and inconsistent.

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Acknowledgements

The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at Northern Border University, Arar, KSA for funding this research work through the project number “NBU-FFR-2023-0121”. The author would like to thank Deanship of Scientific Research at Majmaah University for supporting this work under project number “R-2023-827”.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health, Kuwait University, Jabriya, Kuwait

    Anwar B. Almutairi

  2. Department of Physical Therapy and Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah, Saudi Arabia

    Naif Z. Alrashdi

  3. Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions, Birmingham, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA

    Laura Vogtle

  4. Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia

    Mansour M. Alotaibi

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  1. Anwar B. Almutairi
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Contributions

A.B.A. had a substantial contribution to the conceptualization and design of the article. She also helped with the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data. Finally, she drafted the article. N.Z.A. helped with the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data. He also revised the draft critically for important intellectual content. L.V. had a substantial contribution to the conceptualization and design of the article. She also revised the draft critically for important intellectual content. M.M.A. had a substantial contribution to the conceptualization and design of the article. He also helped with the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data.

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Correspondence to Anwar B. Almutairi.

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Almutairi, A.B., Alrashdi, N.Z., Vogtle, L. et al. Effect of psychostimulant medications on physical function in children with cerebral palsy: scoping review. Pediatr Res 95, 1217–1223 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-023-02933-3

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