Sensor-enabled ankle brace for gait and balance testing in adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates a sensor-enhanced version of an athletic ankle brace (sXAB) to determine if it can reliably capture biomechanical and gait data comparable to gold-standard systems. The evaluation occurs in two consecutive studies, focusing on measurement feasibility and technical performance. Phase 2 involves healthy adults wearing combat boots performing walking, running, jumping, and stair climbing, with inside-subject comparisons of brace-on versus brace-off conditions. All procedures take place at Indiana University Bloomington, with recruitment from the local community and campus.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy adults: ages 18 - 40 years
* considered "healthy to exercise" as determined by the physical activity readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q)
* Classified as "moderate" or "high" activity level as defined by the scoring criteria of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ)
* Comfortably fit into combat boots provided by the laboratory (Men's sizes 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and Women's sizes 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 will be purchased, and so participants with foot lengths of 22.54-29.27.8 cm are expected to fit in the boots provided).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Smoking tobacco on a regular basis
* Previous lower back or lower limb surgery (including the joints of the pelvis and lower limbs)
* Musculoskeletal injury sustained within the 12-weeks prior to enrollment . A musculoskeletal injury is defined as musculoskeletal pain causing a reduction or stoppage of normal physical activity for at least 3 days within a 7-day period, and have not returned to their normal physical activity and exercise without pain for at least the last 6-weeks.
* Pregnant (women only)
* Current or history of an unresolved musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary/respiratory, metabolic, renal condition, disease, or problem.
* Torn anterior or posterior cruciate ligament (ACL or PCL).
* Any other disease or problems that may affect movement or the ability to exercise even at a low intensity.
* Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IDFAI) score of \<11.
* unable to comfortably perform the drop landing condition.
* Feet are too large or too small to fit comfortably in the combat boots provided.

Where it's running

• Indiana University, School of Public Health - Bloomington
  Bloomington, Indiana, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Allison H Gruber, PhD — Indiana University
• Study coordinator: Allison H Gruber, PhD
• Email: ahgruber@iu.edu
• Phone: 8128562447

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Core muscle function and balance in people with leg amputations

  This study tests how leg amputation affects core muscles and balance by comparing muscle thickness on the amputated side, the intact side, and healthy people using ultrasound.

  Recruiting Hacettepe University · Balçova, İzmir · NCT07875075

• Figure-of-8 Walking Test in Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome

  This observational study tests whether the Figure-of-8 Walk Test is a reliable and valid way to measure dynamic balance and gait in people with Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome.

  Recruiting Balikesir University · Balıkesir, Bigadiç · NCT07586553

• How doing a thinking task while walking affects balance and gait in Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome

  This test will see if doing a thinking task while walking changes walking speed and balance in people aged 65 and older with Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome.

  Recruiting Balikesir University · Balıkesir, Bigadiç · NCT07572968

• 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.

  Recruiting Cairo University · Cairo · NCT07283276

• Enhancing balance in multiple sclerosis with training plus electrical stimulation

  This trial will test whether adding leg muscle stimulation and/or noninvasive spinal stimulation to balance training helps adults with multiple sclerosis who have balance or walking trouble.

  Recruiting University Health Network, Toronto · Toronto, Ontario · NCT07174973

• Comparing two rehabilitation programs for balance and walking in stroke patients

  This study is testing which rehabilitation program, Motor Relearning or Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, helps stroke patients improve their balance and walking better after six months of recovery.

  Recruiting Foundation University Islamabad · Islamabad · NCT06674590

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.