Sensory stimulation tools for dystonia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Developing personalized sensory stimulation tools to ameliorate dysfunctional network activity in dystonia
IRAS ID
314617
Contact name
Petra Fischer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 31 days
Research summary
The purpose of this study is to test whether vibrotactile stimulation can be used to ameliorate dystonia symptoms. Dystonia is a disabling and highly heterogenous movement disorder, which can cause involuntary twisting of the neck, cramping of the hand, tremor or tonic muscle contractions in multiple parts of the body. ‘Sensory tricks’, for example touching the neck, can intermittently relieve unwanted muscle contractions. Peripheral sensory signals thus can have a strong effect on dystonia symptoms. Our aim is to alleviate symptoms by delivering vibrotactile stimulation pulses to affected muscles. Recent research has shown that brain activity in dystonia as measured with electroencephalography (EEG) is excessively rhythmic (in frequencies <12 Hz). By adjusting the timing of vibrotactile stimulation pulses relative to simultaneously recorded EEG activity we will attempt to counterbalance excessive rhythmicity of brain activity and improve dystonia symptoms.
REC name
London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/LO/0450
Date of REC Opinion
3 Aug 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion