Cooling improves the writing performance of patients with writer's cramp

Mov Disord. 2002 Nov;17(6):1341-4. doi: 10.1002/mds.10251.

Abstract

Cooling of hand and forearm muscles by immersion in 15 degrees C cold water for 5 minutes improved the writing performance of patients with writer's cramp. Since abnormal processing of muscle spindle afferent discharges contributes to the pathology of writer's cramp, this effect might result from a reduction in muscle spindle activity by lowering muscle temperature. Cooling is a simple, cheap, and safe procedure, providing temporary relief for patients with writer's cramp.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cryotherapy*
  • Dystonic Disorders / physiopathology
  • Dystonic Disorders / therapy*
  • Female
  • Handwriting
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Spindles / physiopathology
  • Treatment Outcome