RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Effect of a Vibrating Therapy Ball on Tremor and Daily Activities in Patients With Different Tremor Syndroms

This study is investigating a vibrating therapy ball (VILIM ball) designed to temporarily reduce shaky hands (tremor) in people with conditions like Parkinson's disease. Many current tremor treatments don't always work well, so finding new options is important. This hand-held device gives out vibrations and is used at home. The study will compare its effects on tremor and everyday tasks, like eating or writing, against another treatment. Researchers want to see if the ball can make daily life easier and reduce tremor, with a special focus on how doctors and patients feel about its effectiveness. It's the first time this device is being properly compared to another treatment, with careful checks from independent doctors.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Parkinson's Clinic in Beelitz-Heilstatten

Enrolment target

Start

08 Nov 2024

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Parkinson Disease

What is this study about?

Shaky hands, known as tremor, can make everyday tasks very difficult for people with conditions like Parkinson's disease. Things we often take for granted, such as eating, drinking, or writing, can become a real challenge. While there are some treatments available, they don't always work for everyone, and some require surgery. This means there's a big need for new, simpler ways to help people manage their tremors.

This study is looking at a new device called the VILIM ball. It's a vibrating ball that you can hold, and it's designed to give your hand a gentle vibration. The idea is that these vibrations might temporarily reduce tremors, making it easier to do daily activities. The company that makes the ball suggests it could reduce tremors for a few hours, helping people to eat or write more easily. This study wants to properly test these claims by comparing the VILIM ball to another treatment to see how effective it really is.

The main goal of the study is to see if using the VILIM ball significantly reduces tremors. Doctors will assess your tremor, and you'll also be asked how you feel about your tremor and your ability to do daily tasks. They will also look at how the ball affects specific activities like bringing a spoon to your mouth or pouring water. Your progress will be recorded using special scales and video, and some of the assessments will be checked by an independent doctor to ensure fair results. This will help understand if the VILIM ball is a helpful and easy-to-use option for managing tremors at home.

Key takeaways

A study testing a vibrating ball to help reduce hand tremors.
Aims to make daily tasks like eating or writing easier.
Compares the vibrating ball to another treatment.
Assessments include doctor and patient feedback, and daily activity checks.
Could offer a simple, at-home option for tremor management.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to have been diagnosed with tremor. It's important that you're able to understand and complete the tests involved in the study, and that your memory and thinking skills are good enough that they won't affect your ability to take part.

There are also reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have severe memory or thinking problems that would interfere with the study, or if you have specific physical issues like severe muscle stiffness (dystonia) or uncontrolled movements (dyskinesia).

You also can't take part if you are pregnant, have a recent blood clot (like a heart attack), or have certain medical devices (like artificial joints) in the areas being treated. Other reasons include active infections in your bones or joints, recent broken bones, fresh wounds that haven't healed, rheumatoid arthritis, or epilepsy.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you have a diagnosis of tremor?
Are you able to complete tests and follow instructions?
Do you have good memory and thinking skills for daily life?
Are you pregnant or do you have a recent blood clot?
Do you have active infections in your joints or recent broken bones?
Do you have epilepsy or rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will use the vibrating therapy ball. During an initial "training phase," the ball will be adjusted to suit your specific tremor. The study will compare how your tremor is affected when you use the ball versus when you use an alternative therapy (Ball-Off condition). Researchers will evaluate your tremor using special medical scales and by observing you performing daily activities like writing or pouring water. There will also be some video recordings of your tremors. The total duration of the study is not specified, but it will involve multiple appointments to assess how well the therapy ball is working and how it impacts your daily life.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the benefit of potentially reducing your tremor, which could make everyday tasks easier. You would also be contributing to important research that could help others with tremor in the future. Potential risks are generally low, as the device is non-invasive; however, you will be informed of any known risks during the consent process. You can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

ParkinsonBeelitzHeilstaetten
Verified postcode
Beelitz, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is tremor?

Tremor is when a part of your body, often your hands, shakes without you meaning it to. It can make everyday tasks difficult.

What is the VILIM ball?

It's a hand-held vibrating ball designed to temporarily reduce shaky hands (tremor) by giving gentle vibrations.

Will this study cure my tremor?

This study is looking at temporarily reducing tremor and helping with daily activities, not curing the underlying condition.

Do I have to stop my current medications?

The study does not mention stopping current medications, but you should discuss all your treatments with the study team.

How long does the study last?

The exact total duration of the study is not specified, but it will involve a series of assessments over time.

How to find out more

Gruber, MD

doreen.gruber@kliniken-beelitz.de +493320422781 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.