Using DoddleBags to help self-feeding in people with Huntington's disease
Facilitating Effective Eating With DoddleBags: A Single-Arm Acceptability Study Of DoddleBags to Assess Impact on Self Feeding Behaviours in a Huntington's Disease Population
This will test whether DoddleBags help adults with Huntington's disease eat more easily, safely, and comfortably.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Hull Academic / other |
| Locations | 7 sites (Cambridge and 6 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07299682 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-arm acceptability study asks adults with genetically confirmed Huntington's disease to record a one-week baseline food diary, then use DoddleBags at mealtimes while keeping diaries for 11 weeks. Participants complete a short battery of eating and mood questionnaires and take part in two semi-structured interviews before and after the intervention. The team will monitor changes in self-feeding behaviours, weight and BMI, and episodes of choking, and will capture participants' attitudes toward mealtimes and quality of life. The primary aim is to determine whether DoddleBags are practical and acceptable for regular use in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) with genetically confirmed HD (≥40 CAG repeats) who experience chorea or cognitive problems that impair safe or effective self-feeding are the intended participants, with carer support allowed where appropriate.
Not a fit: People who can already self-feed safely and effectively, those currently using DoddleBags, or those with other neurological disorders that confound HD symptoms are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, DoddleBags could make mealtimes easier, reduce choking episodes, and help maintain weight and quality of life for people with Huntington's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While adaptive eating aids have shown some benefits in other neurodegenerative conditions, the use of DoddleBags specifically in Huntington's disease is largely novel and untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Aged 18 or over at the time of recruitment. Genetic confirmation of the HD gene expansion, defined as a CAG repeat length of ≥40 CAG repeats on the long allele. Chorea, uncontrollable bodily movements, to the extent that it, in the opinion of the participant, inhibits normal or typical use of an eating utensil such as a fork or spoon. AND/OR Cognitive issues that make it impractical for the participant to engage in self-feeding behaviours in a safe and effective manner, perhaps but not necessarily requiring the input of a carer or companion to feed the participant. Exclusion Criteria: Failing to meet the inclusion criteria. The presence of a pre-existing neurological or movement disorder that could mimic, mask, or otherwise occlude the symptoms of Huntington's Disease. Current use of DoddleBags as a feeding aid outside of this research. Ability to regularly self-feed in a safe and effective manner rendering the integration of DoddleBags into one's lifestyle moot. Use of a mandated/recommended diet that would be incompatible with DoddleBags, such as mandated use of non-pureed or non-soft foods. Inability or unwillingness to engage with any specific aspects of the research, including completion of the food diaries, interviews or questionnaires, as well as being unable to provide informed consent.
Where this trial is running
Cambridge and 6 other locations
- Cambridge University Hospitals — Cambridge, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- Cardiff University — Cardiff, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde — Glasgow, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals — Leeds, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust — Leicester, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- Walton Centre NHST — Liverpool, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- Sheffield Children's Hospital — Sheffield, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Callum Schofield
- Email: c.schofield-2019@hull.ac.uk
- Phone: +447875437057
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.