Measuring tremors in multiple sclerosis patients and healthy individuals

Spectral Analyses of Resting Postural Tremor Measured by Accelerometer and Gyroscope as a Predictive Tool of Multiple Sclerosis

Observational Charles University, Czech Republic · NCT04405479

This study is testing new technology to see if it can help tell the difference between tremors in people with multiple sclerosis and healthy individuals.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorCharles University, Czech Republic Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Prague and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04405479 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of accelerometer and gyroscope technology in distinguishing resting postural tremors between individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy controls. By analyzing the tremor patterns, the study seeks to identify potential motor control dysfunctions that could indicate a risk for developing MS. Participants will include diagnosed MS patients with upper extremity motor deficits but no visible tremor, as well as healthy volunteers aged 20-70. The study will utilize spectral analysis and maximum likelihood estimation for categorizing tremor components.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with a definite diagnosis of multiple sclerosis who have upper extremity motor deficits but no visible tremor.

Not a fit: Patients with significant mobility disturbances from other conditions, such as stroke or fractures, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention for individuals at risk of developing multiple sclerosis.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of accelerometers and gyroscopes in tremor analysis is a growing field, this specific approach in the context of multiple sclerosis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Group 1:

* Definite diagnosis of MS
* prevailed motor deficit of upper extremities, but without visible tremor
* stable clinical status in the preceding 3 months
* Expanded Disability Status Scale score (EDSS) ≥ 2 ≤ 7.5, and
* no corticosteroid therapy in the preceding month

Group 2:

* Healthy volunteers in the age of 20-70 years will be employed
* There will be defined as persons without any neurological disease diagnose at the time of the measurement.

Exclusion Criteria (both groups):

Patients with factors disturbing mobility (e.g. stroke, pregnancy, fractures) were excluded from the study.

Where this trial is running

Prague and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Multiple SclerosisTremorAccelerometer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.