Neurocognitive ankle training for chronic ankle instability
Official title: Neurocognitive Ankle Training for Instability to Optimize Neuromusculoskeletal Outcomes (NATION)
Run by Womack Army Medical Center · NCT06527287 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program will test whether adding thinking and visual tasks to ankle rehabilitation helps physically active adults with chronic ankle instability improve function and have fewer lower‑body injuries.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 44 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Womack Army Medical Center Federal |
| Locations | 2 sites (Lexington, Kentucky and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 13, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 14, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 14, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06527287 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are physically active adults aged 18–44 with chronic ankle instability who meet the Ankle Instability Instrument and Cumberland tool criteria and report recent episodes of the ankle 'giving way'.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with very recent ankle sprains (within six weeks), prior ankle surgery, recent lower‑extremity fractures, inability to complete tests in English, or who are not regularly physically active are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study compares a novel Neurocognitive Ankle Training program (NATION), which integrates visual and cognitive dual‑task exercises with standard evidence‑based ankle rehabilitation, to evidence‑based rehabilitation alone in physically active adults with chronic ankle instability. Participants aged 18–44 who meet CAI criteria will complete supervised rehabilitation at either Womack Army Medical Center or the University of Kentucky, with outcome measures collected via clinic testing and remote questionnaires. Primary outcomes include ankle function, episodes of 'giving way', and incidence of subsequent lower‑extremity musculoskeletal injuries, while neurocognitive and dual‑task performance will also be measured. The study aims to determine whether targeting neurocognitive deficits alongside traditional impairments reduces recurrence and improves activity and duty retention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve ankle stability, reduce recurrent sprains and downstream lower‑extremity injuries, and help active people stay engaged in work and physical activity.
How similar studies have gone: The concept is relatively novel: prior research links neurocognitive deficits to CAI, but few clinical programs have tested integrated neurocognitive dual‑task rehabilitation in randomized trials.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Physically active and engage in regular exercise/training * 18-44 years old (accounts for 86% of the individuals deployed in recent military conflicts) * Answer "yes" to Question 1 (i.e., have you ever sprained an ankle?) on the Ankle Instability Instrument * Answer "yes" to any four of the remaining Ankle Instability Instrument questions * Score \<24 on the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool * Report at least two episodes of the ankle "giving way" in the last six months * Access to a functional email address and internet for completion of health and Service member outcomes * Ability to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to read or comprehend the English language. * An ankle sprain within the last six (≤6) weeks that resulted in altered or missed physical activity for one or more (≥1) consecutive days. * History of ankle surgery. * History of lower extremity fracture in the last year or history of fracture that required fixation. * Any peripheral neuropathies or other health conditions/current musculoskeletal injuries that may influence balance. * Pregnant females (will be eligible for participation in the study after delivery of the baby and medical clearance by a qualified and licensed healthcare provider).
Where it's running
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky, United States Recruiting -
Womack Army Medical Center
Fort Bragg, North Carolina, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Megan H Roach — Womack Army Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Megan H. Roach, PhD
- Email: megan.h.roach.civ@health.mil
- Phone: 910-907-1042
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Core stability versus cognitive training to improve balance and postural control in chronic ankle instability
This project will test whether dynamic core stability exercises or cognitive (dual-task) training help adults with chronic ankle instability improve balance, postural control, and reduce feelings of giving way.
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This study is testing if using a special 3D knee assessment device can help people with knee pain get better treatment and improve their movement compared to standard care.
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Assessing injury risks for military service members before and after musculoskeletal injuries
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.
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.