Database of human movement patterns

A Rigid Body Database on Human Movement

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT00001252

This study is collecting movement data from people of all ages to help understand and improve treatments for movement disorders.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment7500 (estimated)
Ages1 Month to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) (nih)
Locations1 site (Bethesda, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT00001252 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study collects data on how individuals control their limb and body movements to create a comprehensive database of both normal and adaptive movement strategies. Participants, ranging from infants to older adults, will undergo a neuromusculoskeletal screening and perform various movement tasks, such as walking and stair climbing, while their movements are recorded using advanced motion tracking technology. The data gathered will help improve the diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders by providing a reference for comparing individual patient motion data against established norms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals of all ages with normal movement patterns or those with neuromuscular disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments that prevent them from following instructions or performing the required movements may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding and treatment of movement disorders, leading to better patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have successfully utilized similar approaches to analyze movement patterns, indicating a promising avenue for this research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Individuals with neuromuscular disorders and Healthy Volunteers in order to be eligible to participate in this study, must meet all of the following criteria:

* Children; One month old to 17 years of age

  --In the case of infants and very young children, they need to be able to imitate or perform an action on cue (e.g., reach out for a toy that is presented or take steps if placed on a treadmill) based on the parent report if the subject is a child and physician observation during history and physical examination.
* Adults; 18 years 99 years
* In good general health as evidenced by medical history or diagnosed with impairment of neuromusculoskeletal system
* Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
* Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
* For those participants older than 5 years of age who have an abnormal gait pattern when walking as a result of a central nervous system injury, Dr. Alter will ask them or their guardian about their seizure history

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Individuals with neuromuscular disorders and Healthy Volunteers, who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:

* Individuals with pacemakers
* Pregnancy
* Adults unable to provide informed consent

Where this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Movement Disorder, Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Walking, Natural History

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.