Vibration to improve head posture in cervical dystonia
The Effects of Different Vibro-tactile Stimulation Intensities on Head Posture in Cervical Dystonia
This trial will test whether stronger vibration applied to the neck muscles helps correct abnormal head posture in people with cervical dystonia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 30 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Minnesota Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT07245615 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The trial compares different intensities of cervical vibrotactile stimulation to see how each affects abnormal head posture in adults with cervical dystonia. Participants receive controlled vibration to neck muscles while researchers measure changes in head alignment and posture. The study also measures proprioception at the neck, wrist, and ankle and compares those results with age- and sex-matched healthy controls to quantify impairment and any short-term improvement from neck vibration. Recruitment excludes people with other neurological or peripheral nerve diseases, implanted deep brain stimulators or prior denervation surgery, severe tremor, or regular use of benzodiazepines or antidepressants, and all testing is done in-person at the Human Sensorimotor Control Laboratory in Minneapolis.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with a confirmed diagnosis of adult-onset, isolated idiopathic cervical dystonia who do not have other neurological or peripheral nerve disorders, do not have deep brain stimulation or prior denervation surgery, do not take regular benzodiazepines or antidepressants, and can provide informed consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with other neurological diseases, peripheral neuropathy that impairs proprioception, implanted DBS or prior denervation surgery, severe head tremors or facial contractions, or regular benzodiazepine/antidepressant use are unlikely to benefit from the intervention in this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this non-invasive approach could give patients a simple way to reduce abnormal head posture and improve symptom control.
How similar studies have performed: Some small studies and pilot work suggest vibrotactile cues can improve posture or proprioceptive signaling in movement disorders, but the approach is relatively novel for cervical dystonia and not yet widely proven.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Confirmed diagnosis of adult-onset, isolated idiopathic cervical dystonia. Exclusion Criteria: History of other neurological diseases, including Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dementia, etc. History of peripheral nervous system disease that can impair proprioception. Deep brain stimulation implanted or denervation surgery. UBACC score lower than 15. Severe head tremors or facial muscle contractions. Regular intake of benzodiazepines or antidepressant medication.
Where this trial is running
Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Human Sensorimotor Control Laboratory — Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jürgen Konczak, PhD — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Jürgen Konczak, PhD
- Email: jkonczak@umn.edu
- Phone: 612-624-4370
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.