Impact of Robotic Glove Use on Quality of Life, Grip Strength and Fine Motor Control in ALS

Enrolling by invitation · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

In brief

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the impact of robotic glove use on quality of life, grip strength and fine motor control in participants with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This will provide valuable insights into how an assistive technology intervention can influence functional ability in daily tasks and enhance overall well-being in individuals impacted by ALS. Participants will attend 3 in-person clinic visits (BASE, 4 week and 8 week visit) and 2 Telehealth visits (occurring 24 hours after BASE and 4 week visit). The in-person clinic visits will include assessments by either a physical or occupational therapist, followed by assessments and scoring of grip strength, various fine motor strength assessments of affected hand, fine motor coordination assessment of the affected hand and various quality of life scales. The participant will be fitted and measured for the appropriately sized robotic glove. Once the fit is confirmed, both the participant and caregiver will receive education on how to don and doff the glove, power it on and off, and follow the study protocol. Once they demonstrate understanding and independence with these steps, the intervention will begin. The robotic glove intervention consists of either the participant or caregiver donning the glove and powering it on. A timer will be set for 20 minutes. The participant will sit comfortably at a table with their elbow supported on the table. The PI and/or member of the study team will be present throughout the 20 minute session to monitor for discomfort, fatigue or any additional patient reported symptoms. Once the time is complete, the robotic glove will be powered off and the glove removed. The participant and caregiver will be instructed to perform this one time daily, for 5 days per week for a total of 8 weeks. The PI and study team members will be available for any questions via iPhone or e-mail throughout this time period. The Telehealth visits will consist of synchronous video and audio via the Zoom application. The PI and/or study team members will monitor the set up, application and powering on of the Robotic Glove. The treatment of 20 minutes will be monitored and any questions the participant or caregiver have will be answered. This visit's goal is to ensure compliance and proper application of the robotic glove.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT07298486
Run by: Nova Southeastern University
People needed: 5
Starts: 2026-02-09
Expected to finish: 2026-07-30
Last updated by the study team: 2026-02-25

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 99. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

Diagnosis of clinically possible, probable or definite amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by the treating neurologist
Have a caregiver that is willing and present to assist with application of robotic glove
Reports fine motor deficits or grip strength deficits in at least 1 hand
Demonstrates > or = 3 lbs. of Grip strength as measured by a dynamometer on affected hand AND/OR Demonstrates Fine motor deficits and has > or = 1 lb. of pinch strength (tip to tip, three jaw chuck, or lateral key pinch) as measured by pinch gauge dynamometer
Demonstrates a loss of at least 3 lbs. of Grip strength OR 1lb. of pinch strength over a minimum of 1 month period in affected hand
Stable dose of efficacious medications for 30 days.

You may not qualify if…

History of Rheumatoid Arthritis
History of Depuytren's contracture
Open wound at affected hand where robotic glove will be placed
History of Trigger Finger
Complete loss of sensation at the affected hand where robotic glove will be placed
History of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Prior or current use of robotic glove
Active physical or occupational therapy treatment interventions on affected hand

Where it is running

Nova Southeastern University, David and Cathy Husman Neuroscience Institute — Davie, Florida, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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