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Sensor Ankle Brace for Special Operations Rehabilitation

Indiana University · with TAYCO BRACE, INC, United States Air Force · NCT07776223

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Opens the official ClinicalTrials.gov record, with the study team’s contacts. Bored Studies doesn’t enroll anyone.

Key facts

Compensation
Not posted. Ask the study team before screening.
Who can join
Ages 18–40 · All sexes
Healthy volunteers
Accepted
Study type
Interventional · Not applicable
Target enrollment
40
US sites recruiting
1
Study start
May 5, 2026
Record last updated
October 14, 2026

Status re-checked against ClinicalTrials.gov within the last 12 hours.

What the study is about

The primary purpose of this study overall is to validate a modified version of a commercially available ankle brace. Inertial measurement unit sensors will be incorporated into an existing ankle brace ("sXAB") by TayCo Brace, Inc. In two consecutive studies, gait metrics data collected from the sensor enabled ankle brace will be compared to data collected by the gold-standard equipment that is used in research and clinical settings to determine whether the sXAB performs adequately in terms of measurement or technical feasibility prior to further clinical evaluation. In the Phase 2 protocol, the sXAB will be validated on healthy subjects wearing combat boots performing walking, running, jumping, and stair climbing activities. These movements were selected because they simulate key movements performed during operational activities. All participants experience both conditions: with an ankle brace and without an ankle brace. Comparisons are made within-subject between brace and no-brace conditions. It is hypothesized that the sensor-enabled ankle brace will measure gait metrics with a high degree of accuracy (within 5%) when compared against the gold-standard lab equipment (i.e., motion capture and research-grade inertial measurement units).

Being studied: Sensor-enabled Athletic X Ankle Brace (sXAB)

Conditions: Gait; Balance; Biomechanical Data; Postural Control; Locomotion

Eligibility criteria

Copied from the official record. The study team makes the final decision at screening.

Show full criteria

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.

Recruiting US locations

  • Indiana University, School of Public Health - Bloomington

    Bloomington, IN 47405

    Site contact: Allison H Gruber, PhD · 8128562447 · ahgruber@iu.edu

Study contacts (from the official record)

  • Allison H Gruber, PhD · 8128562447 · ahgruber@iu.edu
  • Adriana M Alamilla, MS · 708-745-8368 · admiltko@iu.edu
All healthy volunteers studies in Indiana →
Sensor Ankle Brace for Special Operations Rehabilitation (NCT07776223) | Bored Studies