Assessing injury risks for military service members before and after musculoskeletal injuries

Pre-neuromusculoskeletal Injury Risk Factor Evaluation and Post-neuromusculoskeletal Injury Assessment for Return-to-duty/Activity Enhancement

Observational Womack Army Medical Center · NCT05111925

This study is trying to find out how to better understand and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in active duty service members before and after they occur.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment2690 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 44 Years
SexAll
SponsorWomack Army Medical Center Federal
Locations2 sites (Bethesda, Maryland and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05111925 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to develop efficient pre- and post-injury risk assessments for musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI) among active duty service members. It will incorporate both objective measures and subjective patient-reported outcomes to identify factors contributing to MSKI risks and recovery outcomes. The study will evaluate the reliability of various clinical assessments in a pilot cohort of healthy service members and those currently receiving treatment for MSKI. By understanding these factors, the study seeks to inform personalized rehabilitation programs and risk mitigation strategies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are active duty service members aged 18-44 who are cleared for full physical activity.

Not a fit: Patients currently on limited duty status or those unable to read or comprehend English may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the rehabilitation process and reduce the risk of future musculoskeletal injuries in service members.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in using similar approaches to assess injury risks and improve rehabilitation outcomes, indicating this study builds on established methodologies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Pilot Cohort

* Active duty Service members cleared for full physical activity.
* 18-44 years old

Uninjured Cohorts

* Active duty Service members cleared for full physical activity.
* 18-44 years old

Injured Cohorts

* Active duty Service members receiving conservative treatment exclusively for a musculoskeletal injury affecting the low back or lower extremity.
* Recruited at any time following presentation to a rehabilitation care facility for care of the MSKI of interest
* 18-44 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

Pilot Cohort

* Currently on limited duty status, for any reason.
* Unable to read or comprehend the English language.
* Pregnant females (will be eligible for participation in the study after the pregnancy)

Uninjured Cohorts

* Currently on limited duty status, for any reason.
* Scheduled for a deployment or separation from current unit within the next 12 months.
* Unable to read or comprehend the English language.
* Pregnant females (will be eligible for participation in the study after the pregnancy)

Injured Cohorts

* Unable to read or comprehend the English language.
* A MSKI within the last 6 months.
* History of lower extremity or low back musculoskeletal related surgery.
* History of moderate or severe traumatic brain injury.
* Pregnant females (will be eligible for participation in the study after the pregnancy)

Where this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Musculoskeletal Injuriesmusculoskeletal injurybiomechanicsmovement assessmentneuromuscular controlpatient reported outcomes
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.