TerminatedNot Applicable

Finger Individuation Training With a Training Device Versus Conventional Rehabilitation for Writer's Cramp

Stopped: Difficultés d'inclure, les patients sont rares

France26 participantsStarted 2016-11-08

Plain-language summary

Writer's cramp (WC) is a focal dystonia characterized by abnormal movements and postures during writing. Limited finger independence during writing manifests as difficulty suppressing unwanted activations of neighbouring non task-relevant fingers. WC patients also have difficulty in fine control of grip force. However, some previous studies indicate positive effects of individual finger movement training in WC although these studies lacked enhanced visual feedback of activations in 'stationary' fingers. The investigators have recently developed the Finger Force Manipulandum which quantifies the forces applied by the fingers in different tasks. This method is sensitive for detection and quantification of small unwanted contractions in non-active ('stationary') fingers. Forces in 'stationary' fingers can be displayed on-line providing enhanced feedback on independence of finger movements. The aim of this study is to test the effectiveness of finger individuation training using the FFM to improve symptoms in WC patients.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 70 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * writer's cramp (diagnostic confirmed by a neurologist specialized in movement disorders * handwriting speed \< 140 letters per minute * simple or complex writer's cramp * scholarship in French language * absence of treatment by botulinum neurotoxin, or last injection \> 3 months * age \> 18 and \< 71 years * informed consent * medical insurance coverage Exclusion Criteria: * writer's cramp with no impact on writing * writing tremor * other neurological disease with effect on writing * pain or traumatism of the limb used for writing, requiring medical or surgical treatment in the last preceding months * participation in another research with a potential impact on evaluation criteria * pregnant or breast feeding patient * patient under judiciary protection

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

change in writing speed after rehabilitation

Timeframe: Change from baseline writing speed at week 8

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02882334

SponsorFondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild

Sponsor typeNETWORK

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2020-12

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