STRIDE: Strength of The Calf Muscles and Their Role In Declining Effectiveness of Movement With A… (NCT07726498) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
STRIDE: Strength of The Calf Muscles and Their Role In Declining Effectiveness of Movement With Aging
United Kingdom200 participantsStarted 2026-08
Plain-language summary
The calf muscles (plantarflexors) are the most important muscles for walking, running and daily activities. Weakness of these muscles through aging and disease significantly impact a person's ability to walk and complete daily activities. By assessing calf strength, it is possible to identify people at risk of falls, and a condition called sarcopenia (which means loss of muscle mass, strength and function). Unfortunately, most of the studies that have examined this have used specialist equipment unavailable to hospital staff. Our study aims to use commercially available equipment to explore the relationship between plantarflexor muscle strength and physical performance in adults living with or without sarcopenia, including those at risk of it. The study will determine if stronger/weaker calf muscles associated with sarcopenia influence the ability to walk and do things more easily. We will complete strength tests of the calf, thigh and hand, assess walking using a special camera system, use an ultrasound scan to look at the Achilles tendon, use a scan to look at how stiff your calf muscles are, assess your body composition, complete a physical performance test and some questionnaires. Each participant will complete the measures during one clinic visit
Who can participate
Age range
18 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:
* Participant is able and willing to provide informed consent to participate in the study
* Aged 18 years or over
* Ambulatory status: able to walk independently with or without aids
* Able to attend clinic
Exclusion Criteria:
* Participant is unwilling or unable to give informed consent.
* Palliative/ end of life
* Moderate to severe communication difficulties/ cognitive function
* Immobile
* Lower limb surgery within the last 6 months
* Recent lower limb fracture
* Unstable cardiopulmonary conditions
* Severe impairments of vision or vestibular system
* Lower limb corticosteroid injection within the last 6 months
* No restriction on language
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.