Neurocognitive Ankle Training for Instability to Optimize Neuromusculoskeletal Outcomes (NATION) (NCT06527287) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Neurocognitive Ankle Training for Instability to Optimize Neuromusculoskeletal Outcomes (NATION)
United States180 participantsStarted 2025-10-13
Plain-language summary
The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a novel ankle rehabilitation protocol on improving clinical and health outcomes in physically active individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Our central hypothesis is NATION, a novel rehabilitation intervention that includes neurocognitive tasks, will improve overall health and function, and reduce lower extremity musculoskeletal injury in physically active individuals with CAI.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 44 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:
* 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).
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.