Neurocognitive Ankle Training for Instability to Optimize Neuromusculoskeletal Outcomes (NATION)

Launched by WOMACK ARMY MEDICAL CENTER · Jul 24, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The NATION trial is a study designed to help people who have chronic ankle instability (CAI), which means their ankles are prone to rolling or giving way, especially during physical activities. The researchers want to see if a new rehabilitation program that combines ankle exercises with cognitive tasks (like thinking and decision-making) can improve health and reduce injuries for active individuals aged 18 to 44. This program aims to help participants feel stronger and more stable, potentially lowering their risk of future ankle injuries.

To join the study, participants should be physically active and have experienced at least two episodes of their ankle "giving way" in the last six months. They need to be able to read and understand English and have access to the internet to participate in online assessments. However, those who have had a recent ankle injury, surgery, or specific health issues that affect balance won’t be eligible. This trial is not yet recruiting, but it aims to provide new insights into ankle rehabilitation for young, active individuals.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• 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).