Video-based training for managing writer's cramp
Official title: Treatment Effect and Relevance on Daily Life of a Video-supervised Sensorimotor Training Program and Its Influence on the Pathophysiology in Writer's Cramp
Run by University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein · NCT04611009 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 54 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 26, 2020 |
| Main results expected | January 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | January 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | December 10, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT04611009 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are right-handed individuals diagnosed with idiopathic writer's cramp who can participate in video calls.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: While there have been studies on various training methods for dystonia, this specific approach combining video supervision and dual training programs is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Brain network patterns in focal dystonia
Researchers will use MRI scans and blood tests to try to find brain and genetic differences in adults with focal dystonia, their unaffected relatives, and healthy volunteers.
-
Nicotinamide in specialized capsules for post-COVID syndrome (PCS)
People with post-COVID symptoms could try a daily 500 mg nicotinamide tablet that releases in the lower gut to see if it helps their recovery.
-
Tralokinumab for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis affecting the genital area
This trial will try tralokinumab in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis involving the genital region to see if it improves genital symptoms and quality of life.
-
Prevention in PD: a six-month lifestyle program for PD and RBD
This study tests whether a six-month, structured lifestyle program combining exercise, Mediterranean diet, sleep guidance, and cognitive training helps people with Parkinson’s disease or REM sleep behavior disorder stick to healthier habits.
-
Oral ileum-targeted controlled-release nicotinic acid to reverse prediabetes
This trial tests whether taking a daily oral ileum-targeted controlled-release nicotinic acid pill for 26 weeks can help adults with prediabetes return to normal blood sugar and remains safe.
-
Early mirikizumab versus azathioprine for newly diagnosed moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis
This trial will test whether starting mirikizumab right away instead of beginning with azathioprine helps people newly diagnosed with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis who did not respond well to mesalazine and steroids.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.