RESUMO
Thirteen acute stroke patients were included in this study, 9 males and 4 females. The mean age of patients was 54.77 + 14.14 years. There were twelve ischemic stroke patients and one hemorrhage stroke patient. The mean duration between the stroke and the commencement of the study was 3.8+ 2.2 days. All patients received 10 mg amphetamine per day and underwent a session of physical therapy each day for seven days. The Fugl-Meyer system was used to assess motor function of upper extremities, lower extremities, balance and sensation, using a 3-point ordinal scale for each test. The results of the Fugl-Meyer evaluation were analysed with the Friedman two-way analysis of variance and post hoc analysis. The results revealed no significant difference between the first (day 0) and the second (day 1) baseline Fugl-Meyer scores. The significant differences between days of treatment were detected on day 5 and day 7 compared to day 1 in motor function of upper and lower extremities, balance and sensation (P < 0.05). Amphetamine administration did not elevate blood pressure or produce mood changes in any patients. The preliminary results of this study can be concluded that physical therapy in combination with amphetamine promotes recovery of sensorimotor function in acute stroke patients.