Tablet App Based Dexterity Training in Multiple Sclerosis (TAD-MS): Research Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial

van Beek, Judith Jantine Willemijn; van Wegen, Erwin E. H.; Bol, Cleo D.; Rietberg, Marc B.; Kamm, Christian P.; Vanbellingen, Tim (2019). Tablet App Based Dexterity Training in Multiple Sclerosis (TAD-MS): Research Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Frontiers in neurology, 10(61), p. 61. Frontiers Media S.A. 10.3389/fneur.2019.00061

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Introduction: Patients with Multiple Sclerosis exhibit disturbed dexterity, leading to difficulties in fine motor skills such as buttoning a T-shirt or hand-writing. Consequently, activities of daily living and quality of life are affected. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of a tablet app-based home-based training intervention to improve dexterity in patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Methods: An observer-blinded randomized controlled trial will be performed. Seventy patients with Multiple Sclerosis with self-reported difficulties in dexterity while executing activities of daily living will be recruited. After baseline assessment, participants are randomized to either an intervention group (n = 35) or control group (n = 35) by a computerized procedure. Blinded assessments will be done at baseline, post-intervention (after 4 weeks) and 12 weeks follow-up. The home-based intervention consists of a 4-week tablet app-based dexterity program. The app contains six dexterity games in which finger coordination, tapping, pinch grip is required. The control group will receive a Thera-band training program focused on strengthening the upper limb. The primary outcome is the Arm function of Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire, a measure of patient-reported activities of daily living related dexterity. Secondary outcomes are dexterous function, hand strength, and quality of life.

Discussion: This study will evaluate the effects of tablet app-based training for dexterity in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. We hypothesize that a challenging app-based dexterity program will improve dexterity both in the short term and the long-term. The improved finger and hand functions are expected to generalize to improved activities of daily living and quality of life.

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