Effectiveness of rTMS and Retraining in the Treatment of Focal Hand Dystonia
Overview
- Phase
- Phase 1
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Focal Dystonia
- Sponsor
- University of Minnesota
- Enrollment
- 9
- Locations
- 2
- Primary Endpoint
- Change From Baseline in Global Rating of Change at Posttest (Day 5)
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 6 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
This study is exploring a new experimental procedure in dystonia called repetitive transcranial magnetic brain stimulation (TMS) combined with rehabilitation. The purpose of the study is to determine whether repetitive TMS is effective as a treatment to reduce symptoms in dystonia as demonstrated by improved motor performance.
Detailed Description
BACKGROUND: Though the etiology of focal hand dystonia (FHD) is uncertain, two primary factors implicated in the development of dystonic symptoms are excessive cortical excitability and impaired sensorimotor processing. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the functional efficacy and neural effects of a Dual intervention of rTMS and sensorimotor retraining. Our working hypothesis is: subjects receiving the combined intervention will (1) display significantly improved handwriting measures; (2) report significant improvement in daily functional ability; (3) display reduced hand cramping compared; and (4) demonstrate reduced corticospinal excitability after the Dual intervention when compared to the rTMS+ stretching and massage (Sham) intervention. METHODS: A randomized, single-subject, multiple baseline design with crossover is used for this study that will examine ten subjects with FHD with two interventions: five days of low-frequency 1 Hz rTMS + sensorimotor retraining (Dual intervention) vs. rTMS + stretching and massage (Sham). The rTMS is applied to the premotor cortex at 1 Hz at 90% resting motor threshold for 1200 pulses. For sensorimotor retraining, a subset of the Learning-based Sensorimotor Training program was followed.
Investigators
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Greater than 18 years of age
- •Symptoms of focal hand dystonia or writer's cramp
Exclusion Criteria
- •History of seizure or other neurologic disorder
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change From Baseline in Global Rating of Change at Posttest (Day 5)
Time Frame: Baseline and Posttest
Symptom severity was assessed using the global rating of change (GROC). For the GROC, participants were asked to identify between one to three functions most impacted by focal hand dystonia. At posttest 1 they were then asked to select a rating of perceived change that represented the level of function compared to baseline. Perceived change consisted of a ±7 point Likert scale (+7= a very great deal better, 0= no change, -7= a very great deal worse).
Secondary Outcomes
- Change From Baseline in Sensation at Posttest (Day 5)(Baseline and Posttest)
- Change From Baseline in Cortical Silent Period at Posttest (Day 5)(Baseline and Posttest)
- Change From Baseline in Arm Dystonia Disability Scale at Posttest (Day 5)(Baseline and Posttest)
- Change From Baseline in Physical Function at Posttest (Day 5)(Baseline and Posttest)
- Change From Baseline for Pressure During Hand Writing at Posttest (Day 5)(Baseline and Posttest)
- Change From Baseline for Physician Rated Impairment at Posttest (Day 5)(Baseline and Posttest)