Can hand exercises and electrical stimulation ease MS sensory problems?
NCT ID NCT01866878
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested a rehabilitation program for hand sensitivity problems in people with multiple sclerosis. The program used TENS (a mild electrical stimulation device) and hand exercises to improve the ability to feel and recognize objects. The goal was to improve quality of life and hand function. Only 10 participants were planned, and the study was terminated early.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) device and sensory rehabilitation exercises
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could offer a way to improve hand sensation and daily function for people with multiple sclerosis.
- What could go wrong
- This was a very small, early-stage trial that was terminated, so results are limited. The benefits of TENS for sensory issues in MS are not well proven.
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.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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10 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jul 2013
- Finished
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Jul 2015
- Lead sponsor
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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.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with relapsing remitting MS defined according to Poser criteria \[9\] and McDonald \[5\]. * Age ≥ 18 years, male or female sex * Patients with sensory disorders interesting hands, evidenced by clinical examination objective. * Patients with an EDSS between 2 and 4 with functional sensitivity parameter ≥ 2. * Patients affiliated to a social security scheme. * Patients signed informed consent for the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with other central or peripheral disorders may affect the sensitivity of the hand. * Patients with allodynia in the study area * Patients with a motor and / or deficit cerebellar ataxia of the upper limbs. * Patients treated with psychotropic or antiepileptic drugs. * Patients for whom a flare occurred affecting the sensitivity of the hand, within 30 days before enrollment. * Patients holders of an active implantable medical device. * Pregnant women and vulnerable patient population.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Hôpital Pasteur
Nice, 06000, France
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