RecruitingPhase 2

Video-supervised Motor and Awareness Training in Writer's Cramp

Germany54 participantsStarted 2020-06-26

Plain-language summary

Writer's cramp is the most common task-specific dystonia. It is characterized by involuntary co-contraction of antagonistic muscles during writing. This disabling condition may force patients to give up their occupation. In this study the efficacy of a twelve months long-term training in patients with writer's cramp will be investigated. Two different programs will be offered: The first one will consist of a sensorimotor, the second one of an awareness training. All patients will benefit from video-based supervision with the aim to establish a practice-oriented therapeutic approach that will be available to all patients independently of their home location. The treatment effect will be measured primary with the patient-centered Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and secondary with clinical scales to assess the clinical efficacy and everyday constraints. Writing will be assessed with a computer-based kinematic writing analysis. To evaluate the influence on the brain network, several functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) evaluations will be performed. This project is of minimal risk without negative side effects from the training. The risks for the MRI experiment are equal to a non-contrast standard MRI investigation.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 80 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: * 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

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

Canadian Occupational Performance Measure

Timeframe: Change from baseline to month 4, 8, 12

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04611009

SponsorUniversity Hospital Schleswig-Holstein

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-01-01

Contact for this trial

Kirsten E Zeuner, Prof. MD

0431-500-23801 k.zeuner@neurologie.uni-kiel.de

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Writer's Cramp trials