None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study will assess the effects of an active and passive exercise programme for participants with idiopathic cervical dystonia. Participants will be randomly allocated into either the active or passive exercise group, and will receive 8 treatment sessions with a physiotherapist over 12 weeks. Participants in the active exercise group will also receive advice on controlling their dystonia. The primary outcome measure is the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) which includes assessment of active neck movements, neck control, pain and disability. Secondary outcome measures include active range of motion of all neck movements, quality of life and depression questionnaires. All measures will be conducted prior to commencement of treatment, half way through treatment, at the end of treatment and 1 month after the completion of treatment. The study aims to determine if active exercises are more beneficial in improving neck control, reducing pain, range of movement, quality of life, and than passive exercises. Participants will be given a home exercise programme to be continued throughout the study.
Interventions
Active exercise group. This group will attend 8 treatment sessions (of approximately 30 minutes duration) over 12 weeks with a physiotherapist. During these sessions participants will perform initially some passive exercises, and then mostly active exercises including cervical spine retraction, flexion, rotation and lateral flexion. Participants will be trained to perform these exercises in a variety of positions for example in lying, sitting, standing and walking. Relaxation will also be taug
Active exercise group. This group will attend 8 treatment sessions (of approximately 30 minutes duration) over 12 weeks with a physiotherapist. During these sessions participants will perform initially some passive exercises, and then mostly active exercises including cervical spine retraction, flexion, rotation and lateral flexion. Participants will be trained to perform these exercises in a variety of positions for example in lying, sitting, standing and walking. Relaxation will also be taught to participants, and advice will be given on managing their dystonic neck movements. Participants will continue these exercises at home, and will record their practice in a diary.
Sponsors
Westmead Hospital
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 75 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Diagnosis of cervical dystonia for at least 6 months, committment to maintain any other medications for cervical dystonia at the same dose for the duration of the study.
Exclusion criteria
Any concurrent severe cervical spine condition (eg. severe arthritis).
Outcome results
None listed