MRI imaging of how muscles and joints function

Virtual Function Anatomy (VFA)

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT00051857

This study is testing new imaging techniques to see how muscles and joints work together during movement to help improve diagnosis and treatment for movement disorders.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment750 (estimated)
Ages5 Years to 95 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) (nih)
Locations1 site (Bethesda, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT00051857 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study utilizes MRI and ultrasound imaging to investigate the interactions between muscles, tendons, and bones during motion. It aims to develop advanced tools for accurately measuring and visualizing musculoskeletal anatomy and function, particularly focusing on joint dynamics and impairments. By creating detailed 3D images of joint tissues under load, the study seeks to enhance the understanding of normal and impaired joint function, ultimately improving diagnosis and treatment methods for movement disorders.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include healthy volunteers and individuals aged 5 to 95 with musculoskeletal impairments who can undergo MRI scans.

Not a fit: Patients with serious joint injuries, previous surgeries on the studied joint, or extreme pain at the joint may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment methods for individuals with musculoskeletal disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing advanced imaging techniques have shown promise in understanding musculoskeletal function, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Affected Participants:

* Must be between the ages of 5-95 years.
* Minors \< 18 years of age, they must be capable of providing assent (verbal or written) with parental or legal guardian permissions obtained.
* Adults 18 \>= years of age, they must be able to provide informed consent.
* Have the presence of a bone, muscle, soft tissue, connective tissue injury, impairment or related muscular skeletal system pathology.
* Ability to have an MRI Scan.

Healthy Volunteer Participants

* Must be between the ages of 5-95 years.
* Minors \< 18 years of age, they must be capable of providing assent (verbal or written) with parental or legal guardian permissions obtained.
* Adults 18 \>= years of age, they must be able to provide informed consent.
* Ability to have an MRI Scan.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Affected Participants:

-For the MR imaging portion of this study, all participants must complete the NIH Diagnostic Radiology screening questionnaire. If any potential contraindication is found, either the volunteer s doctor (with knowledge of the potential contraindication) or the radiology department at the NIH will be contacted to determine if the potential contraindication would exclude them from the specific MR scans being proposed.

Healthy Volunteer Participants

* Any relevant medical problems
* Clinical signs of an impairment in the joint/limb being studied.
* Any serious injury to the joint/limb being studied, previous surgery on the joint/limb being studied or extreme pain at the joint/limb being studied.
* Neurologic Pathology affecting the muscular skeletal system
* For the MR imaging portion of this study, all participants must complete the NIH Diagnostic Radiology screening questionnaire. If any potential contraindication is found, either the volunteer s doctor (with knowledge of the potential contraindication) or the radiology department at the NIH will be contacted to determine if the potential contraindication would exclude them from the specific MR scans being proposed.

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: Abnormalities, Imaging, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Patello-Femoral, Knee, Motion, MRI, Kinematics

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.