Video-based training for managing writer's cramp
Treatment Effect and Relevance on Daily Life of a Video-supervised Sensorimotor Training Program and Its Influence on the Pathophysiology in Writer's Cramp
This study is testing a year-long video training program to see if it can help people with writer's cramp improve their writing skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 54 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein) |
| Trial ID | NCT04611009 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of a twelve-month training program for patients with writer's cramp, a common task-specific dystonia. Participants will engage in either sensorimotor training or awareness training, both supervised via video to ensure accessibility regardless of location. The primary outcome will be measured using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), while secondary outcomes will include clinical scales and kinematic writing analysis to assess improvements in writing ability. The study aims to provide a practical therapeutic approach for individuals suffering from this disabling condition.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are right-handed individuals diagnosed with idiopathic writer's cramp who can participate in video calls.
Not a fit: Patients with additional neurological or psychiatric conditions, left-handed individuals, or those who have received botulinum toxin treatment within the last three months may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve the quality of life for patients with writer's cramp by enhancing their writing abilities and reducing disability.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on various training methods for dystonia, this specific approach combining video supervision and dual training programs is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Right handed idiopathic WC according to standardized criteria (simple and complex WC, any dystonic posture (including flexion, extension, pronation, supination)) * able to participate in video-calls Exclusion Criteria: * Additional neurological or psychiatric diseases * left-handed patients * last botulinum toxin treatment \<3 months, remaining weakness from the last injection * concomitant use of anticholinergics or sedating medication Exclusion criteria for MRI: * Cardiac pacemaker, electronic or metal implants * pregnancy or suspected pregnancy * severe ametropia, anxiety in small rooms
Where this trial is running
Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein
- Kiel University — Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kirsten E Zeuner, Prof. MD — University of Kiel
- Study coordinator: Kirsten E Zeuner, Prof. MD
- Email: k.zeuner@neurologie.uni-kiel.de
- Phone: 0431-500-23801
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.