Assessing balance in adults with spinal deformities
Official title: Functional Reach Test as a Clinical Tool for Assessing Postural Balance Limits Among Adult Spinal Deformity Patients
Run by University of Kansas Medical Center · NCT06258161 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to measure balance in adults with spinal deformities after surgery to see how it compares to healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Kansas Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kansas City, Kansas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 8, 2024 |
| Main results expected | September 2028 |
| Study ends | September 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06258161 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults over 18 diagnosed with adult spinal deformity who are indicated for corrective surgery and can perform functional activities independently.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with spinal tumors, trauma, or infections, as well as those unable to attend follow-up evaluations, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate the impact of adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery on functional balance using a new assessment method that includes a functional reach test (FRT). The study will compare balance metrics between ASD patients and healthy adults using wearable motion tracking sensors and force plates to measure postural sway. By refining existing balance assessments, the research seeks to provide clinically relevant data that can inform treatment strategies and outcomes for ASD patients. The findings will also serve as pilot data for future studies on balance assessment in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved balance assessments that enhance treatment planning and outcomes for patients with adult spinal deformities.
How similar studies have gone: While there is growing interest in using technology for balance assessments in spinal surgery, this specific approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Adult Spinal Deformity Patient Inclusion Criteria: * Adults over the age of 18 * Diagnosed with adult spinal deformity according to the SRS-Schwab Adult Spinal Deformity Classification System * Indicated for deformity corrective surgery including multilevel spinal fusion of three or more levels * Lowest instrumented level includes S1 or pelvic fixation * Able to perform functional activities without the use of any assistance or support * devices Adult Spinal Deformity Patient Exclusion Criteria: * Indicated for spinal fusion due to spinal tumor, trauma, or infection * ASD patients who do not plan to be available for all follow-up evaluations at our institution * Pregnancy during any time point within the participation duration Asymptomatic Control Participant Inclusion Criteria: * Adults over the age of 18 * No current or prior spine pathology or surgery * Able to perform the functional activities without the use of any assistance or support devices Asymptomatic Control Participant Exclusion Criteria: * Any current or prior spine or lower extremity pathology or surgery that impacts the subject's ability to perform the functional activities * Pregnancy at the time of the evaluation
Where it's running
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University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, Kansas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Damon Mar — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Damon Mar
- Email: dmar@kumc.edu
- Phone: 913-574-2310
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.