Evidence supporting the use of: Piracetam
For the health condition: Coordination
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Piracetam is a nootropic drug that has been researched for its potential to improve coordination, particularly in neurological disorders. The primary scientific evidence comes from studies in patients with myoclonus, a movement disorder characterized by sudden, involuntary muscle jerks. Several controlled clinical trials have demonstrated that piracetam can reduce the severity of cortical myoclonus and improve motor coordination in these patients. Moreover, piracetam has been investigated for its effects on post-stroke recovery, including improvements in motor function and coordination, though results in this context are variable and not always robust.
The proposed mechanisms by which piracetam may enhance coordination include modulating neurotransmission, improving neuronal membrane fluidity, and increasing neuroplasticity. However, outside of specific neurological conditions like myoclonus, there is limited high-quality evidence to support piracetam's efficacy in improving coordination in the general population or in age-related motor decline. Most clinical guidelines restrict its use to certain neurological disorders. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that while there is some scientific basis for its use in specific conditions affecting coordination, the overall quality of evidence is moderate and further large-scale, high-quality studies are needed.
Other health conditions supported by Piracetam
Alzheimer's DiseaseAutism
Concentration (poor)
Confusion
Coordination
Dementia
Memory and Brain Function
Senility
Strokes