The proposed study evaluates the effect of carbon fiber brace design on forces across the ankle joint. It is expected that carbon fiber braces can be designed to reduce forces in the ankle. In this study, brace geometry will be varied to determine how these changes influence the forces experienced by ankle cartilage. The purpose of this study is to refine a pre-existing musculoskeletal model and finalize the procedures for inputting multiple data sources into the model to evaluate ankle articular contact stresses.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 50 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Between the ages of 18 and 50
* Shoe size between women's 8 and 13.5 or men's 6.5 and 12
* Healthy individuals without a current complaint of lower extremity pain, spine pain, or medical or neuromusculoskeletal disorders that have limited participation in work or exercise in the last 6 months
* Full active range of motion of the bilateral lower extremities and spine
* Ability to hop without pain
* Ability to perform a full squat without pain
* Ability to read and write in English and provide written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Diagnosed moderate or severe brain injury
* Prior lower extremity injury resulting in surgery or limiting function for greater than 6 weeks
* Diagnosis of a physical or psychological condition that would preclude testing (e.g. cardiac condition, clotting disorder, pulmonary condition)
* Visual or hearing impairment that would interfere with instructions given during testing
* Require an assistive device
* Wounds to the foot or calf that would prevent CDO use
* BMI greater than 35
* Pregnancy - Per participant self-report. Due to the expected small number of pregnant individuals and resulting inability to account for its effect on resulting outcomes, participants will be withdrawn from the study
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.