Hand training using synchronized contralateral haptic feedback with mirror visual feedback
Innovative Hand Rehabilitation System With Synchronized Contralateral Haptic Feedback
This project will test whether a hand training system that combines mirror visual feedback, game-like tasks, and synchronized haptic pressure can improve force control and dexterity in healthy older adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Cheng-Kung University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tainan, Taiwan) |
| Trial ID | NCT07077460 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Healthy older adults will use an innovative hand training system that pairs mirror visual feedback with a synchronized contralateral haptic device and a blocked-mirror comparison condition. Training sessions include game-based force-control and digit-independence exercises grounded in graded motor imagery to boost motivation and cortical engagement. Outcome measures include hand dexterity, parameters of digit force independence, and cortical activation recorded by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Participants are screened to exclude musculoskeletal, neurological, or cognitive impairments and will attend supervised sessions at the sponsoring institution.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults up to 80 years old who are generally healthy, have no history of hand-related surgeries or neurological/musculoskeletal disorders, have normal cognitive function, and can follow instructions in Chinese, English, or Taiwanese are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with prior hand surgery, neuromuscular disease, degenerative arthritis, brain injury, cognitive impairment, unresolved upper-extremity injury, or serious systemic illnesses are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the system could improve hand dexterity and fine force control in older adults, helping with daily tasks and maintaining independence.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work using graded motor imagery, mirror therapy, game-based training, and force-control exercises has shown positive effects on cortical activation and motor function, while the specific pairing with synchronized contralateral haptic feedback is a relatively novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ranged from 20-80 years old * Without past medical history of musculoskeletal or neurological disorders that would affect muscle control ability or cause sensory abnormalities * Normal cognitive function to understand and follow the instructions * Able to understand Chinese, English, or Taiwanese language Exclusion Criteria: * With a history of hand-related surgeries * With a history of neuromuscular diseases or degenerative arthritis * With a history of brain injury * With a history of taking psychiatric medications * Unable to understand instructions, or have cognitive impairments * With a history of physical disabilities (Loss of body parts) or taking relevant medications, including heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, respiratory system diseases, dialysis, unresolved upper extremity injury, or highly addicted to smoking or alcohol
Where this trial is running
Tainan, Taiwan
- National Cheng Kung University — Tainan, Taiwan, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Fong-Chin Su, PHD — Chair Professor
- Study coordinator: Fong-Chin Su, PHD
- Email: fcsu@ncku.edu.tw
- Phone: 06-2757575
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.