Tablet tests could track ALS progression through speech and handwriting

NCT ID NCT06315673

Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 29, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study explores whether digital tools on a tablet can measure changes in speech and handwriting in people with motor neuron diseases like ALS. Participants complete a single session of speaking and tracing tasks. Researchers compare results between patients and healthy controls to see if these digital tests can serve as reliable biomarkers of disease severity.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to simple digital tests that help doctors track disease progression more objectively in ALS and similar conditions.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study focused on measurement, not treatment. The digital tests may not prove sensitive enough to replace standard assessments.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Participants

42 people

The number who actually took part.

Started

Jul 2024

Finished

Jun 2026

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Who is studied

Patients with motor neuron disease and age- and sex-matched, neurologically-healthy controls.

Ages

18 years and older

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Accepted

You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: 1. \[Patient Group Only\] Diagnosis of definite, probable, probable laboratory-supported, or possible ALS by revised El Escorial research criteria \[Brooks2000\], primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), or progressive muscular atrophy (PMA). 2. \[Patient Group Only\] at least minimal speech or handwriting ability 1. ALSFRS-R speech score of 2 ("intelligible speech with repeating") or greater, OR 2. ALSFRS-R handwriting score of 2 ("not all words are legible") or greater. 3. \[Control Group Only\] Possess no neurological or orthopedic problems that affects their speech or handwriting AND age-matched to the existing patient cohort. 4. 18 years of age or older; 5. Fluent in written and spoken English. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Currently or previously enrolled in STUDY00013892 (NCT05271435) 2. Neurological or orthopedic problems (independent of their inclusionary diagnosis for the patient group) that affects their speech or handwriting 3. Pregnant or nursing woman 4. Prisoner or institutionalized individuals 5. Have any clinically relevant medical history of other disease or diseases that, in the opinion of the research team, exclude the subject from participation (including severe cognitive dysfunction).

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis lateral sclerosis motor neuron disorder progressive muscular atrophy spinal muscular atrophy

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Primary lateral sclerosis Progressive muscular atrophy

Tablet tests could track ALS progression through speech and handwriting

What the study statuses mean