An exciting new research project utilising smartwatch technology has received a £42,700 research grant from Tourettes Action. Smartwatch vibration therapy (SVT) for the self-management of tics in young people with Tourette Syndrome is a pilot randomised controlled clinical trial and feasibility study.

Although commonly applied behavioural interventions have been reported to be the preferred first-line treatment for young people with Tourette Syndrome (TS), not all young people can access or benefit from such treatments. Based on evidence indicating that relaxation and opposing movement or distraction techniques are embedded among the most effective TS interventions, it has been assumed that low frequency vibration, which relieves discomfort, likely due to its relaxing or distraction effects, may also be beneficial for TS symptoms. However, despite promising evidence in support of the effectiveness of vibration therapy in reducing stereotypical behaviours in neurokinetic disorders, its potential effectiveness in TS has not been empirically examined.

Due to this evidence gap, as well as the increasing need for the development of accessible and effective self-management technology-based tools for young people, our team has developed a Smartwatch Vibration Therapy (SVT) tool emitting mechanical low-frequency vibration for tic self-management. Pilot observational study results with young people with TS, who tried SVT for 30-minutes in clinic, showed that it significantly reduced tic frequency and urge intensity and was experienced as comfortable with no reported adverse effects.

We will be conducting a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) to assess the feasibility, acceptability, safety and short-term efficacy of daily SVT use over a 1-week period, extending to home and school (classroom) settings. The findings of this study will inform a future large-scale definitive RCT that will determine long-term efficacy and safety of SVT for tics versus treatment as usual in young people with TS.

For further information on Tourettes Action visit: www.tourettes-action.org.uk

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