Tic Disorder Research Study
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine are conducting a study on computer vision and machine learning technology that can detect and identify tics in people with Tourette’s disorder or a persistent tic disorder
Fast Facts
Individuals who experience tics on a daily basis
9-70 Years old
Compensation
Provided Up To $200
Conducted in
Baltimore, Maryland
Study Background
Researchers are aiming to design, develop, and test a video-based activity recognition system and computer vision algorithms to detect tics and support therapeutic skills between sessions and ultimately improve behavior therapy outcomes.
Tourette’s Disorder (TD) is a neuropsychiatric condition that is characterized by motor and vocal tics, which onsets in childhood and can affect daily functioning and quality of life. Behavioral therapy is one of the main evidence-based treatments used to help people manage tic symptoms; however, practicing therapy techniques outside of clinical sessions can sometimes be challenging in the absence of a “practice partner” to complete homework exercises between therapy visits.
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine are developing a computer program that uses computer vision and machine learning to detect and identify tics using video recordings of daily activities (e.g., talking, playing games, filling out forms). The long term goal is to create a “digital practice partner” that can identify tics and help patients practice behavior therapy exercises. This study will also help researchers develop and test how accurately the computer program detects tics compared with observations made by a human practice partner.
Study Background
Researchers are aiming to design, develop, and test a video-based activity recognition system and computer vision algorithms to detect tics and support therapeutic skills between sessions and ultimately improve behavior therapy outcomes.
Tourette’s Disorder (TD) is a neuropsychiatric condition that is characterized by motor and vocal tics, which onsets in childhood and can affect daily functioning and quality of life. Behavioral therapy is one of the main evidence-based treatments used to help people manage tic symptoms; however, practicing therapy techniques outside of clinical sessions can sometimes be challenging in the absence of a “practice partner” to complete homework exercises between therapy visits.
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine are developing a computer program that uses computer vision and machine learning to detect and identify tics using video recordings of daily activities (e.g., talking, playing games, filling out forms). The long term goal is to create a “digital practice partner” that can identify tics and help patients practice behavior therapy exercises. This study will also help researchers develop and test how accurately the computer program detects tics compared with observations made by a human practice partner.
Additional Information
This study is being conducted to design and test a computer program that can automatically detect and classify tics. Researchers want to understand how accurately the program identifies tics compared with a trained human observer.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Experience tics on a daily basis (e.g., blinking, head jerking, shoulder shrugging)
- Able to attend in-person visits at Johns Hopkins East Baltimore Medical Campus
- Ages 9-70
- Speak English
- Live in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or Washington D.C.
If you participate, you will complete one virtual visit and several in person visits at the Johns Hopkins East Baltimore Medical Campus.
Complete a virtual visit that includes a clinical interview about tic symptoms and other co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses
Attend two to four in-person study visits at the research site
Take part in video recordings during everyday activities such as talking, completing forms, or playing video games so researchers can observe tics
Each in person visit lasts about 90 minutes
Participants will receive $50 for each in person visit for a total of up to $200. Parking will be validated for visits at the Johns Hopkins East Baltimore Medical Campus.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
IRB00462589 Principal Investigator: Kimberly Smith, PhD