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Study of Sensory Attenuation in Functional Movement Disorders

This study is investigating a condition called Functional Movement Disorder (FMD), where people experience unusual movements they feel they can't control, even though their brain isn't damaged. Researchers believe this might be due to a problem with how the brain usually dampens the sensation of our own movements – a process called 'sensory attenuation'. For example, you can't tickle yourself because your brain knows you're doing it. In FMD, this process might not work properly, making movements feel involuntary. This study will compare a larger group of FMD patients with healthy individuals. The goal is to see if measuring this 'sensory attenuation' problem could help us understand how severe FMD is and potentially lead to better ways of managing the condition in the future.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Western University, Canada

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2028

Functional Movement Disorder

What is this study about?

Imagine your brain has a special filter that reduces the feeling of sensations caused by your own body moving. This is why you can't tickle yourself – your brain knows you're the one making the movement, so it turns down the tickle sensation. This filtering process is called 'sensory attenuation', and it's linked to feeling in control of your actions.

In Functional Movement Disorder (FMD), people experience movements or difficulties with walking that they feel aren't under their control. Even though there's no damage to the brain or nerves, their body moves in ways they don't intend. Researchers suspect that in FMD, this 'sensory attenuation' filter isn't working as it should. This might cause people with FMD to feel their own movements more intensely, or as if they are happening without their command.

This study aims to look more closely at this idea. Researchers will observe a group of FMD patients and compare them with healthy individuals to see if there are differences in how their brains process their own movements. By understanding if problems with 'sensory attenuation' are a key feature of FMD, scientists hope to find new ways to measure the condition’s severity and eventually develop better approaches to help people living with FMD.

Key takeaways

Aims to understand why people with FMD feel their movements are out of control.
Investigates how the brain processes sensations from its own movements.
Compares FMD patients with healthy individuals.
Involves simple, non-painful finger tasks.
Could help find new ways to measure FMD severity in the future.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to have a diagnosis of a Functional Movement Disorder (FMD) and be 18 years old or older. The research team wants to make sure the study results are clear and accurate, so they have a few reasons why someone might not be able to take part.

For example, you can't be in the study if you have a moderate to severe shake (tremor) in your main hand that would get in the way of the tasks you'd need to do. Also, if you have nerve problems in your arm or hand (called peripheral neuropathy), or if you can't read or understand English, you wouldn't be able to join.

These rules help ensure that everyone who participates can safely complete the study tasks and that the information gathered is reliable.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Have I been diagnosed with a Functional Movement Disorder (FMD)?
Am I 18 years old or older?
Do I have a strong shake in my main hand that would make using a device difficult?
Do I have any nerve problems in my arms or hands?
Can I read and understand English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you'll visit the London Health Sciences Center. You'll sit at a table and place the tip of your non-dominant index finger (the finger on your non-writing hand) under a special device. Using your other index finger, you'll gently press against this device to match different target forces. The forces will be very small and won't be painful. You'll do this in two different ways: one where you directly control the pressure, and another where you move a slider to control it. You'll repeat these tasks with different target forces about 30 times for each condition. The device automatically records all your responses. There are no medications involved in this study and no specific follow-up appointments mentioned beyond the initial testing session.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might not directly benefit you, but the information found could help healthcare professionals better understand Functional Movement Disorder (FMD) in the future. This could lead to improved ways of assessing and helping people with FMD. The risks are very low; the forces applied to your finger are small and won't cause any pain. Your private information will be kept safe and confidential. Remember, joining any study is completely voluntary, and you are free to stop participating at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect any care you receive.

Locations (1)

University Hospital
Verified postcode
London, Canada

Common questions

What is Functional Movement Disorder (FMD)?

FMD is a condition where people have unusual movements or walking difficulties that they feel they can't control, even though their brain isn't damaged.

What does 'sensory attenuation' mean?

It's your brain's special way of turning down or ignoring sensations caused by your own body movements. For example, it's why you can't tickle yourself.

What will I have to do in the study?

You'll gently press your finger against a small device to match different pressures, doing this in a couple of different ways.

Will I get any specific treatment from this study?

No, this study is about understanding FMD better, not testing a new treatment. It won't involve any medication.

Is the study painful?

No, the forces used in the finger tasks are very small and should not cause any pain.

How to find out more

Aditya Murgai, MBBS MD DM

aditya.murgai@lhsc.on.ca +15196633121 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.