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Influence of Upper Extremity Vibration on Spasticity and Function in Persons With Tetraplegia

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Spinal Cord Injuries
Tetraplegia
Interventions
Other: Vibrating ball
Registration Number
NCT04020770
Lead Sponsor
Shepherd Center, Atlanta GA
Brief Summary

Vibration therapy is a possible alternative to drug-based treatments for spasticity following SCI. Research indicates that it may provide temporary relief from spasticity, but many interventions under investigation are not portable and therefore access is limited. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using a portable vibrating device to decrease UE spasticity.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
12
Inclusion Criteria
  • Have sustained cervical (neurological level C1-C8) SCI
  • Any ISNCSCI severity classification (A, B, C or D)
  • Have therapist-reported and self-reported spasticity in the arm or hand
  • Ability to pick up, move, and release at least one block (on the Box & Blocks Test)
  • May participate if utilizing prescription medications, including baclofen pump for control of spasticity
Exclusion Criteria
  • Severe contractures of the arm/hand that limit passive movement of the elbow, wrist or fingers more than 50% of normal range of motion or presence of other orthopedic pathology that would adversely influence participation in the protocol
  • Any implanted catheter such as but not limited to CSF shunt, or the presence of pacemaker, implanted automatic internal cardioverter defibrillator (AICD, other cardiac implants and or conditions). Not including baclofen pump.
  • Severe pain or hypersensitivity of the arm/hand
  • Current pregnancy

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Vibrating BallVibrating ballVibrating ball is held in both hands. Participants complete 5 30-second bouts of 68 Hz vibration with a 1 minute rest in between each bout.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Satisfaction and Adherence Questionnaire20 minute delay post intervention

Self- report of satisfaction with and perceived ability to adhere to the intervention

Change in Modified Ashworth Scale from pre-intervention to post intervention, from pre intervention to 20 minute follow up, from post intervention to 20 minute follow upDay 1

Clinical assessment of stretch-induced spasticity measured on a scale of 0-4 with 4 indicating the worst spasticity and 0 indicating no spasticity detectable upon clinical examination.

Change in Box and Blocks Test from pre-intervention to post intervention, from pre intervention to 20 minute follow up, from post intervention to 20 minute follow upDay 1

Functional assessment of grasp and release

Change in Global Impression of Change Scale from pre-intervention to post intervention, from pre intervention to 20 minute follow up, from post intervention to 20 minute follow upDay 1

Self-report of improvement or deterioration over time measured on a scale of 1-7 with 1 indicating very much improved and 7 indicating very much worse

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Hand strengthPre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, 20 minute delay post intervention

Dynamometer measurement of grip strength

Qualities of Spasticity QuestionnaireBaseline

Self-report of experience of spasticity

Pinch strengthPre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, 20 minute delay post intervention

Lateral pinch strength measured using a pinch meter

Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament TestPre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, 20 minute delay post intervention

Assesment of light touch sensation

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Shepherd Center

🇺🇸

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

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