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Completed

NCT Number: NCT02925273

Hand Grasping Techniques on Eliciting the Grasp Reflex in Patients With Dementia

In this study, the investigators will determine the difference between the two techniques used to elicit the grasp response in patients with frontal lobe dysfunction, primarily in dementia patients versus control patients.

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Key information

Conditions

Dementia Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Mental Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurocognitive Disorders

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Stratford, New Jersey, 08084, United States

About this study

The goal of this project is to determine the optimal technique to elicit the grasping response in patients with dementia or suspected frontal lobe dysfunction. The proposed study is to perform two techniques to elicit grasp response in patients with dementia or suspected frontal lobe dysfunction and observe the presence or absence of the response and prominence of the response on a proposed rating scale. Future goals will be aimed at aiding clinicians in refining their clinical techniques to be more sensitive for diagnosing frontal lobe dysfunctions.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Ability to sign informed consent or have a surrogate present to sign the consent
  • Age 18 or above
  • Patients are diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or frontal lobe dysfunction
  • Medications are to remain stable during the course of the study except for emergency modifications.

Exclusion criteria

  • Inability to obtain informed consent from patient or surrogate
  • Unable to follow commands.
  • Physical restrictions (i.e. spasticity of hands/arms, upper extremity amputation)
  • Other comorbidities such as muscular diseases, hepatic encephalopathy, renal failure, down syndrome, NPH, depression, and cerebral palsy.

Treatment and study plan

palmar grasp without dorsal stimulation

Other

The patient will then be asked to keep the arms at 90 degrees and the researcher will slightly stroke palm and fingers of both hands of the patient simultaneously. After completion of each technique, the presence or absence of the response will be noted. In addition, the prominence of the response on the rating scale will be obtained as explained below.

The scaling of the grasp response is as followed:

  • Flexion at the distal interphalangeal joint of the hand
  • Flexion at the proximal interphalangeal joint of the hand
  • Flexion at the metacarpal-phalangeal joint of the hand

standard palmar grasp test with dorsal stimulation

Other

The patient will be asked to put their arms at 90 degrees and the researcher will hold one hand at the wrist and dorsum of the palm and lightly stroke the palm and fingers. The patient will be instructed to relax hands and not hold on while doing the grasp and see if the response persists. The same technique will be repeated for the patient's other hand.

Primary outcomes

  1. Grasp response

    Time frame: six months

    The primary objective of the study will be to determine if a change in the performance of the grasp response will lead to a change in the way the response is elicited. The prominence of the grasp response will be scored on a rating scale

Secondary outcomes

  1. Frontal Lobe release- Glabellar Response

    Time frame: six months

    The secondary objective during this study will be to determine if other frontal release signs are present in study participants. The glabellar response will be tested.

  2. Frontal lobe release- Palmomental Response

    Time frame: six months

    The secondary objective during this study will be to determine if other frontal release signs are present in study participants. The palmomental response will be tested.

  3. Frontal lobe release- Snout Response

    Time frame: six months

    The secondary objective during this study will be to determine if other frontal release signs are present in study participants. The snout response will be tested.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Rowan University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Hand Grasping Techniques on Eliciting the Grasp Reflex in Patients With Dementia or Suspected Frontal Lobe Dysfunction

Acronym: GRASP

Important dates

Study start
2016
Primary completion
2018
Study completion
2018
First posted
Oct 5, 2016
Registry last updated
Oct 28, 2019

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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