How can visual feedback affect brain activity in Essential Tremor?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How can visual feedback affect brain activity and tremor severity in Essential Tremor?
IRAS ID
257084
Contact name
Kathryn M Bennett
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 5 days
Research summary
Essential Tremor is the most common neurological movement disorder; however, the causes of these tremors are not fully understood. A better understanding of the neurological processes involved in Essential Tremor helps the advancement in treatments for this disorder.\nA tremor is an involuntary rhythmic muscle contraction, which results in a shaking of that body part. The primary characteristics of tremor in Essential Tremor is the worsening of tremor when maintaining the affected body part in a fixed position or when performing tasks. \nRecent research into Essential Tremor has shown that visual feedback of tremor, which involves individuals watching the tremor in their hands, has been shown to make the tremor even worse. This effect is also found if feedback of their tremor is provided through an external source, such as an object moving on a visual display at the same rate as their tremor. \nThis project aims to further understand how visual feedback of tremors can make tremor worse, and whether there are ways to combat this, as well as to provide a better understanding of what brain processes are involved in Essential Tremor.
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/SW/0099
Date of REC Opinion
6 Jun 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion