Sensory manipulation in writer's cramp: Possibilities for rehabilitation

In this study, kinematic characteristics of writing are compared in 5 patients with writer's cramp who performed a set of standardized writing tasks. The kinematic characteristics include upper limb joint angles, vertical hand pressure, and finger grip force. The effect of writing on different inclined supporting surfaces is also investigated. Our results indicate that altering upper limb posture using inclined surfaces improves aspects of writing discomfort in writer's cramp subjects. Although the change in arm joint angles and fingers/hand pressure is not generalizable between patients, such kinematic evaluations seem to be a key factor in the outcome of any personalized treatment or rehabilitation strategy.