Oral Proprioceptive Sensitivity and Upper Limb Kinesthetic Acuity: A Pilot Study

NCT07854314 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: CEIm HOUB 27/2023
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 33
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The goal of this observational study is to investigate whether differences in oral proprioceptive sensitivity are associated with differences in kinesthetic acuity of the upper limbs in children. The study examines two aspects of proprioception: oral proprioceptive sensitivity, which refers to the sensory response to proprioceptive stimulation of structures in the mouth, and upper-limb kinesthetic acuity, which refers to the ability to perceive the position or movement of the arms without relying on vision. The study will also explore whether oral and auditory sensory stimuli can produce small, transient visual losses, referred to as visual pseudoscotomas, during a perceptual test based on the Maddox rod. Participants will complete standardized experimental tasks designed to assess upper-limb kinesthetic acuity and oral proprioceptive sensitivity. The study is intended to contribute to the understanding of possible relationships between oral proprioception and proprioception of the upper limbs in children, and of how oral and auditory sensory information may interact with visual perception.

Conditions

Oral Proprioceptive Sensitivity and Upper Limb Kinesthetic Acuity

Keywords

Oral proprioceptive sensitivity; Proprioception; Kinesthetic acuity; Transient visual loss; Multisensory integration

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Correlation between upper-limb kinesthetic acuity and oral proprioceptive sensitivity

  Correlation between variability in upper-limb kinesthetic acuity, assessed by the matching task, and variability in the visual response to oral proprioceptive stimulation during the Perceptive Maddox Test.

  Day 1

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Occurrence of auditory-induced visual pseudoscotomas

  Day 1

• Effect of oral proprioceptive stimulation on auditory-induced visual pseudoscotomas

  Day 1

• Lability of the visual response to oral proprioceptive stimulation

  Day 1

Study Arms (1)

Children younger than 15 years

Children younger than 15 years who participate in the study and undergo assessments of upper-limb kinesthetic acuity and the effect of oral proprioceptive stimulation on visual perception.

Other: Upper-Limb Kinesthetic Acuity Assessment; Other: Effect of Auditory Stimulation on Visual Perception; Other: Oral Proprioceptive Sensitivity Assessment

Interventions

Upper-Limb Kinesthetic Acuity Assessment OTHER

Participants performed a matching task with both forearms while their eyes were covered. One forearm was positioned by the examiner at a predetermined angle, and the participant moved the other forearm to match its perceived position. The angular position of both forearms was measured using digital inclinometers. The procedure was repeated five times for forearm flexion and five times for extension to assess the variability of upper-limb kinesthetic acuity.

Also known as: Phase 1, Kinesthetic Matching Task

Children younger than 15 years

Effect of Auditory Stimulation on Visual Perception OTHER

Participants underwent the Perceptive Maddox Test while receiving bilateral auditory stimulation consisting of simultaneous 500-Hz whistles presented through wireless headphones at approximately 50 dB. Five 10-second sequences were presented. Participants reported whether the red line disappeared completely or partially and, when applicable, indicated the location and changes in location of the visual loss. The occurrence and temporal and spatial characteristics of transient visual losses (visual pseudoscotomas) were recorded.

Also known as: Phase 2, Perceptive Maddox Test and Auditory Stimulation

Children younger than 15 years

Oral Proprioceptive Sensitivity Assessment OTHER

The effect of oral proprioceptive stimulation on visual perception was assessed using the Perceptive Maddox Test in combination with auditory stimulation. Oral stimuli consisted of examiner-applied pressure to the vestibular surfaces of the incisors. When an oral stimulus produced a visual effect, calibrated pressure or traction was applied to the incisors using a dynamometer. The temporal and spatial characteristics of the visual response and the variability in the pressure or traction required were recorded.

Also known as: Phase 3, Perceptive Maddox Test and Oral Proprioceptive Stimulation

Children younger than 15 years

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: Up to 15 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consists of children younger than 15 years who have all eight permanent incisors and who meet the study eligibility criteria. Participants are recruited among patients of the Hospital Odontològic Universitat de Barcelona (HOUB) and children accompanying their parents or relatives attending the HOUB. The study includes children without neurological, sensory, motor, auditory, visual, or dental conditions that could interfere with the study procedures or the interpretation of the results.

You may qualify if:

• Children younger than 15 years.
• Presence of all eight permanent incisors.
• Voluntary agreement to participate in the study.

You may not qualify if:

• Neurological, sensory, or motor conditions that could interfere with the performance or interpretation of the study procedures.
• Treatment with psychotropic medication.
• Hearing loss in one or both ears.
• Visual acuity below 20/20 in either eye.
• Stereoacuity below 120 arc seconds.
• Vertical phoria greater than 0.75 prism diopters.
• Strabismus, whether previously operated or not.
• Ongoing optometric rehabilitation.
• History of amblyopia.
• Absence of one or more permanent incisors.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hospital Odontològic UB: collaborator
• Sophie Román Richon: lead

Study Sites (1)

Hospital Odontològic UB

L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, 08907, Spain

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Blindness

Interventions

Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic; Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; Acoustic Stimulation; Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Vision Disorders; Sensation Disorders; Neurologic Manifestations; Nervous System Diseases; Eye Diseases; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Clinical Trials as Topic; Clinical Studies as Topic; Epidemiologic Study Characteristics; Epidemiologic Methods; Investigative Techniques; Health Care Evaluation Mechanisms; Quality of Health Care; Health Care Quality, Access, and Evaluation; Public Health; Environment and Public Health; Therapeutics; Sensory Art Therapies; Complementary Therapies; Physical Stimulation

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Target Duration: 1 Day
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 22, 2026
• First Posted: October 2, 2026
• Study Start: January 14, 2024
• Primary Completion: December 14, 2024
• Study Completion: December 14, 2024
• Last Updated: October 2, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-09

Locations

ES (1)