Finger mobility and movement control in scleroderma
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A comparison of two rehabilitation programmes affecting finger mobility and motor control in patients with scleroderma
IRAS ID
248310
Contact name
Gabor J. Barton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool John Moores University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Limited hand function in scleroderma impairs patients to perform activities of daily living. Physical therapy for scleroderma patients is limited to hand stretching exercises or strength training of the hand muscles. Whilst these have shown a beneficial effect, practically, patients report to not participate in any physical therapy or low adherence to exercises prescribed. The aims of this study are to 1) examine the effect of two intervention programmes on range of motion and speed of movement of the hand and fingers and 2) assess the patients' control of fine motor tasks before and after the training. Hand motion will be quantified using the Leap Motion controller to track movement of the wrist, palm and fingers. From this information range and speed of movements can be calculated. The Leap Motion controller is a device which can be used for non-invasive, touchless 3D motion capture. The cohort is split into two groups, whereby one group will follow a hand exercise programme based on traditional physical therapy, and the other group will play a custom made computer game driven by the patients' hand movement. We will conduct a motion analysis and motor control assessment before and after the intervention, as well as four weeks following completion of the training programme. Further we will assess the functional effect of the exercises using validated questionnaires, which assess the impact of hand function on the patients’ quality of life, and a motivational assessment to assess the likelihood of adherence to the respective protocol.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0659
Date of REC Opinion
12 Oct 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion