Neurotoxin and Physical Therapy

Cervical Dystonia Clinical Trial

Official title: Synergistic Effects of Neurotoxin and Physical Therapy

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

This study aims to compare Botox injections without Physical Therapy sessions to Botox injections combined with Physical Therapy sessions for treatment of Cervical Dystonia. It is expected that Botox combined with Physical Therapy will improve Cervical Dystonia symptoms and quality of life more than Botox alone. It is also expected that Botox combined with Physical Therapy will enhance neuroplasticity, or the ability of the brain to make new connections, more than Botox alone at 4-5 weeks, and remain improved at 12 weeks, after Botox injection.

Clinical Trial Description

The study will recruit primary cervical dystonia patients (age 18-80) who are stable on Allergan botulinum toxin type A (Botox). Patients will be randomized to receive their typical Botox injection alone, or with physical therapy. At Baseline, disease characteristics (as measured by the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale, or TWSTRS, and the Clinical Global Impression of Severity, or CGIS) will be measured, along with quality of life (from the Short Health 36 Survey Form 36, or SF-36). One subscale of the TWSTRS will be videotaped to be later evaluated by blinded movement disorder specialists. A pain scale will also be completed and range of head motion will be measured using a device similar to a protractor (called a goniometer). An individualized Botox injection will be administered, as well as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to measure neuroplasticity, or the ability of the brain to make new connections. If randomized to receive physical therapy, participants will also receive instructions to perform physical therapy exercises five times per week by a physical therapist who specializes in movement disorders. The investigator will call weekly to check how the participant is doing with the exercise program. The same procedures outlined above will also be performed at 5 weeks past baseline, and at 12 weeks (except for the Botox injection, which will only be given at baseline and 12 weeks). ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Cervical Dystonia
• Dystonia
• Dystonic Disorders
• Torticollis

• NCT number: NCT02177617
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: University of Florida
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 4
• Start date: December 2014
• Completion date: January 7, 2017