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Multiple SclerosisNCT07193602

VR-based Dexterity Training in MS

A study testing VR-based dexterity training in MS and mediation program in people with Multiple Sclerosis, run by Christian Kamm at 2 sites in Switzerland.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

The aim of the study is to investigate if a specifically developed home-based dexterity training intervention using a Virtual Reality (VR) Headset (Meta quest 2) improves impaired manual dexterity in persons with multiple sclerosis. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 75 years
Conditions the study is for
Multiple Sclerosis
What is being tested?
VR-based dexterity training in MS and mediation program
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
60 participants
Where
2 sitesSwitzerland
Study dates
1 May 2026to 1 May 2028
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 75 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • MS patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), secondary-progressive MS (SPMS) or primary progressive MS (PPMS) according to the revised McDonald's criteria (Thompson et al. 2017)
  • Age between 18 and 75 years
  • Written informed consent signed by the subject must be obtained prior to study start
  • Patient must complain about MS related impaired manual dexterity negatively affecting ADL and/or QoL
  • Patients must have Arm function in multiple sclerosis questionnaire (AMSQ) score >41

Who cannot join

  • A relapse that started within 60 days prior to screening
  • Rapidly progressive disease
  • Any disease/condition that impaired manual dexterity besides MS
  • Any disease other than MS that could possibly explain the patient's signs and symptoms
  • Medical or psychiatric conditions that compromise the ability to comply with the protocol, or to complete the study
  • History of epilepsy or epileptic seizures
  • A history of drug abuse in the 12 months prior to screening

Trial locations and contacts

2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Christian Kamm, Prof. Dr. med. contact

0041 41 205 29 69

Christian.Kamm@luks.ch

Switzerland2 sites

  • MS Centre, Neurology, University hospital Basel

    Basel, Basel, 4031

    Marcus D'Souza, PD Dr. med., 0041 61 556 58 54, Marcus.DSouza@usb.ch

    Marcus D'Souza, PD Dr. med.

  • Lucerne Cantonal Hospital

    Lucerne, Canton of Lucerne, 6000

    Christian Kamm, Prof. Dr. med, 0041 41 205 29 69, Christian.Kamm@luks.ch

    Christian Kamm, Prof. Dr. med.

Other trials in Switzerland

About this study

Official title: Home-based Virtual Reality (VR) Headset-based Dexterity Training in Multiple Sclerosis: a Randomized-controlled Trial

The aim of the study is to investigate if a specifically developed home-based dexterity training intervention using a Virtual Reality (VR) Headset (Meta quest 2) improves impaired manual dexterity in persons with multiple sclerosis.

Read the detailed description

Subjects will be recruited during regular visits at the MS centre of the Luzerner Kantonsspital, Switzerland or at the Department of Neurology of the University Hospital Basel. Ethical approval will be obtained, and the trial will be registered in the clinicaltrials.gov database. Patients must sign informed consent prior to study entry (=Screening). If patients are eligible at screening as defined in the Inclusion- and Exclusion criteria, all primary and secondary outcome measurements will be performed at Baseline. Subjects will be randomized 1:1 in Group 1 (Training intervention) or Group 2 (Sham-Intervention) and instructed into the respective training. After 4 weeks of training, all primary and secondary outcome measurements will be repeated, and the study ends.

Being tested
VR-based dexterity training in MS, mediation program
Keywords
Headset-based dexterity training, Multiple Sclerosis
Medical subject headings
Multiple Sclerosis

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • VR-based dexterity training in MSDevice

    Training of limited manual dexterity in people with multiple sclerosis through a specially developed home-based dexterity training programm using a virtual headset

  • mediation programOther

    Sham Training is the comparator. The Sham group is performing a commercially available mediation programm TRIPP:

Study groups in NCT07193602
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Experimental intervention = training intervention (Group1)ExperimentalEight training programs will be performed addressing different key movements of the hand/arm. All training programs will be performed in sitting position. Training will be performed for 4 weeks, 5 days/week. All 8 training programs will be performed on every training day which corresponds to approximately 20min training/day.
Receives: Device: VR-based dexterity training in MS
Control inervention = Sham-Intervention (Group2)Sham comparatorThe Sham-Intervention will be the commercially available meditations App "Tripp®". During a period of four weeks, patients will perform the Sham intervention 3 times a week, each session being approximately 20 minutes.
Receives: Other: mediation program

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Arm Function Score in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire

    The Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire (AMSQ) measures manual dexterity in patients with MS. It contains 31 questions on a unidimensional scale. One final sum score is obtained with higher scores indicating more dexterous difficulties. The minimum score is 31 (no limitation) and a maximum score of 186 (extreme limitation).

    Measured: 4 weeks

Secondary outcomes (5)

  1. Time for completing the Nine-hole-Peg-Test (9HPT)

    The Nine-hole-Peg-Test (9HPT) is reliable (ICC values 0.80-0.99), valid and sensitive in detecting impaired dexterity in patients with MS. Patients were seated at a table with a shallow container holding nine pegs and a plastic block with nine empty holes. All pegs had to be put one at a time into the holes and then removed again one at a time into the shallow container. The time to complete the task was recorded twice on both hands and mean values were taken for each hand. No minimum or maximum cutoff values were defined. Higher completion times indicate poorer performance.

    Measured: 4 weeks

  2. Time for completion the Coin rotation task (CRT)

    The Coin rotation task (CRT) has been validated in assessing manual dexterity in patients with MS . Patients had to rotate a 50 Swiss Rappen coin (corresponding to a dime or 2-cent Euro coin) as fast as possible between their thumb, index and middle finger. The time to perform 20 half turns was measured twice on both hands and mean values were taken for each hand. No minimum or maximum cutoff values were defined. Higher completion times indicate poorer performance.

    Measured: 4 Weeks

  3. The highest strength value resulting from the Handheld JAMAR dynamometer

    The Handheld JAMAR dynamometer is a reliable (ICC values 0.85 - 0.98) and valid test to measures isometric grip strength of the hands in healthy subjects and in MS patients. It is performed in an upright seating position with 90° flexion of the elbow next to the body. The highest value (kilograms force) of two maximum voluntary grip strength movements was taken for each hand. No minimum or maximum cutoff values were defined. Higher values indicate better performance.

    Measured: 4 Weeks

  4. Value resulting from the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29 (MSIS 29)

    The Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29 (MSIS 29) is valid and reliable in measuring the impact of MS on ADL. It contains 29 items comprising to a physical (MSIS-29 physical) and psychological impact scale (MSIS-29 psychological). All items are scored from 'not at all' to 'extremely' on a five-point Likert scale. The physical subscale ranges from 20 to 100, and the psychological from 9 to 45. Higher values indicate more impact.

    Measured: 4 Weeks

  5. Scores of the Electronic Neurostatus-Expanded Disability Status Scale (eEDSS) (D'Souza M et al. 2020)

    Comparing the subscores of the upper extremity

    Measured: 4 Weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted26 Sep 2025
  2. Study start1 May 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion1 May 2028 (estimated)
  4. Study completion1 May 2028 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Prospective, randomized-controlled, home-based, multi-center, rater-blinded parallel-arm pilot study. Randomisation will be performed 1:1 to the Training-Intervention group (Group 1) or Sham group (Group 2) matched for EDSS within the last 6 month using the REDCap Randomisation Tool. The EDSS-groups are: 0-2.5 3-5.5 \> 5.5
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
60 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07193602
Sponsor's protocol ID
LUKSKAMM003
Status last verified
Apr 2026
First submitted
18 Sep 2025
Last updated
13 Apr 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Yancosek KE, Howell D. A narrative review of dexterity assessments. J Hand Ther. 2009 Jul-Sep;22(3):258-69; quiz 270. doi: 10.1016/j.jht.2008.11.004. Epub 2009 Feb 12.

    PubMed 19217254

  • Winberg C, Kylberg M, Pettersson C, Harnett T, Hedvall PO, Mattsson T, Mansson Lexell E. The Use of Apps for Health in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease and Stroke - Barriers and Facilitators. Stud Health Technol Inform. 2017;242:638-641.

    PubMed 28873864

  • Vanbellingen T, van Beek J, Nyffeler T, Urwyler P, Nef T, Bohlhalter S. Tablet app-based dexterity-training in patients with Parkinson's disease: Pilot feasibility study. Ann Phys Rehabil Med. 2021 Jul;64(4):101419. doi: 10.1016/j.rehab.2020.06.004. Epub 2020 Oct 6. No abstract available.

    PubMed 32755640

  • van Beek JJW, van Wegen EEH, Rietberg MB, Nyffeler T, Bohlhalter S, Kamm CP, Nef T, Vanbellingen T. Feasibility of a Home-Based Tablet App for Dexterity Training in Multiple Sclerosis: Usability Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2020 Jun 9;8(6):e18204. doi: 10.2196/18204.

    PubMed 32515747

  • van Beek JJW, van Wegen EEH, Bol CD, Rietberg MB, Kamm CP, Vanbellingen T. Tablet App Based Dexterity Training in Multiple Sclerosis (TAD-MS): Research Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Neurol. 2019 Feb 11;10:61. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00061. eCollection 2019.

    PubMed 30804879

  • Thompson AJ, Banwell BL, Barkhof F, Carroll WM, Coetzee T, Comi G, Correale J, Fazekas F, Filippi M, Freedman MS, Fujihara K, Galetta SL, Hartung HP, Kappos L, Lublin FD, Marrie RA, Miller AE, Miller DH, Montalban X, Mowry EM, Sorensen PS, Tintore M, Traboulsee AL, Trojano M, Uitdehaag BMJ, Vukusic S, Waubant E, Weinshenker BG, Reingold SC, Cohen JA. Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: 2017 revisions of the McDonald criteria. Lancet Neurol. 2018 Feb;17(2):162-173. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(17)30470-2. Epub 2017 Dec 21.

    PubMed 29275977

  • Thirumalai M, Rimmer JH, Johnson G, Wilroy J, Young HJ, Mehta T, Lai B. TEAMS (Tele-Exercise and Multiple Sclerosis), a Tailored Telerehabilitation mHealth App: Participant-Centered Development and Usability Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2018 May 24;6(5):e10181. doi: 10.2196/10181.

    PubMed 29798832

  • Tacchino A, Pedulla L, Bonzano L, Vassallo C, Battaglia MA, Mancardi G, Bove M, Brichetto G. A New App for At-Home Cognitive Training: Description and Pilot Testing on Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2015 Aug 31;3(3):e85. doi: 10.2196/mhealth.4269.

    PubMed 26323749

  • Steinheimer S, Wendel M, Vanbellingen T, Westers LT, Hodak J, Blatter V, Uitdehaag BMJ, Kamm CP. The Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire was successfully translated to German. J Hand Ther. 2018 Jan-Mar;31(1):137-140.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jht.2017.09.010. No abstract available.

    PubMed 29102479

  • Riazi A, Hobart JC, Lamping DL, Fitzpatrick R, Thompson AJ. Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29): reliability and validity in hospital based samples. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2002 Dec;73(6):701-4. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.73.6.701.

    PubMed 12438473

  • Peolsson A, Hedlund R, Oberg B. Intra- and inter-tester reliability and reference values for hand strength. J Rehabil Med. 2001 Jan;33(1):36-41. doi: 10.1080/165019701300006524.

    PubMed 11480468

  • Paltamaa J, West H, Sarasoja T, Wikstrom J, Malkia E. Reliability of physical functioning measures in ambulatory subjects with MS. Physiother Res Int. 2005;10(2):93-109. doi: 10.1002/pri.30.

    PubMed 16146327

  • Oxford Grice K, Vogel KA, Le V, Mitchell A, Muniz S, Vollmer MA. Adult norms for a commercially available Nine Hole Peg Test for finger dexterity. Am J Occup Ther. 2003 Sep-Oct;57(5):570-3. doi: 10.5014/ajot.57.5.570.

    PubMed 14527120

  • McGuigan C, Hutchinson M. The multiple sclerosis impact scale (MSIS-29) is a reliable and sensitive measure. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2004 Feb;75(2):266-9.

    PubMed 14742602

  • Marrie RA, Leung S, Tyry T, Cutter GR, Fox R, Salter A. Use of eHealth and mHealth technology by persons with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2019 Jan;27:13-19. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2018.09.036. Epub 2018 Oct 2.

    PubMed 30296732

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing VR-based dexterity training in MS and mediation program in people with Multiple Sclerosis, run by Christian Kamm at 2 sites in Switzerland.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 2 sites in Switzerland. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Christian Kamm, Prof. Dr. med. (0041 41 205 29 69, Christian.Kamm@luks.ch), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Arm Function Score in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire (time frame: 4 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07193602, which also lists 30 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 13 Apr 2026.

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