Characterization of Manual Dexterity by Finger Force Manipuladum (FFM) in Patients With Writer's … (NCT03797638) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Characterization of Manual Dexterity by Finger Force Manipuladum (FFM) in Patients With Writer's Cramp and in Control Subjects
France40 participantsStarted 2018-10-01
Plain-language summary
Writer's cramp 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. Patients with Writer's cramp also have difficulty in fine control of grip force.
The investigators have recently developed the Finger Force Manipulandum which quantifies the forces applied by each fingers in different tasks. This method is sensitive for detection and quantification of small unwanted contractions in non-active ('stationary') fingers. Different tasks have been developed to assess abilities such as finger individuation but also fine finger force control, finger movement regularity and speed.
The aim of this study is to assess if developed tasks allow to precisely characterize writer's cramp condition in terms of abilities aforementioned.
To do so, performance of 20 writer's cramp patients in the developed task will be compared with performance of 20 control participants (matched in age, sex and writing hand) in the same tasks.
Who can participate
Age range
18 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 for patients with writer's cramp
* Patient with writer's cramp and writing speed \<140 letters / min
* Writer's cramp focal dystonia specific to the task of writing
* Patient treated or not with botulinum toxin injection
* Person having attended school in French
Non inclusion criteria for patients with writer's cramp
* Patients whose writer's cramp has no impact on the handwriting and has kept a writing speed\> 140 letters per minute.
* Tremor of writing
* Neurological condition other than writer's cramp (eg Parkinson's syndrome)
* Pain, trauma or pathology of the upper limb of the writing member other than the writer's cramp who required medical or surgical treatment in the last 6 months preceding the initial check-up
Inclusion criteria for control subjects
•\> 18 years old
* Without writer's cramp
* Person having attended school in French
Non inclusion criteria for control subjects
* Tremor of writing
* Neurological condition other than writer's cramp (eg Parkinson's syndrome)
* Pain, trauma or pathology of the upper limb of the writing member other than the writer's cramp who required medical or surgical treatment in the last 6 months preceding the initial check-up
Matching criteria between cases and control patients
* Age (± 5 years)
* Gender
* Hand writing
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
1
Manual dexterity by the FFM
Timeframe: Inclusion
Trial details
NCT IDNCT03797638
SponsorFondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild