Stability Sock for Weak Ankles

Overseen By William J Hanney, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Central Florida

Disqualifiers: Foot injury, Ankle injury, Surgery, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

30 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a special sock designed to help people with weak ankles feel more stable and confident. Researchers aim to determine if wearing the Stability Sock improves ankle function and overall balance, as well as its impact on confidence during balance and stability exercises. This trial might suit individuals over 18 who have no recent ankle injuries and can perform activities like jumping and standing on one leg without pain. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance daily life for those with weak ankles.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this sock is safe for ankle stability?

Research shows that new ankle-realigning socks can greatly improve balance and make ankles feel more stable. People reported feeling more secure when wearing these socks. Previous studies have not identified any negative effects or problems from using them.

The socks are designed to support weak ankles, enhancing balance and confidence during movement. Overall, research suggests that people tolerate the socks well, with no known safety concerns. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

The Stability Sock is unique because it offers a novel way to enhance ankle and postural stability through a specialized design that could provide more support than traditional ankle braces or athletic taping. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it potentially offers a non-invasive, convenient, and comfortable alternative for individuals with weak ankles. Unlike standard treatments that may restrict movement or require professional application, the Stability Sock is easy to use and could offer continuous support during everyday activities.

What evidence suggests that this sock is effective for weak ankles?

Research has shown that weak ankle muscles often link to ankle instability. Strengthening the ankles can improve their stability. Studies also indicate that better balance strengthens ankle joints, reducing the risk of sprains. The Stability Sock, used by participants in this trial, is designed to support ankles, potentially aiding in better balance and increased confidence. While specific data on the sock itself is not available, these concepts suggest it could benefit those with weak ankles. ^{3 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults who can perform basic movements like standing from a seated position, jumping, and balancing on one leg without pain. Participants must understand English to fill out questionnaires. It's not for those with recent ankle injuries, allergies to nylon/polyester/elastane, current pregnancy, past foot/leg injuries or surgeries, or any hip/knee/ankle ligament/cartilage tears.

Inclusion Criteria

I can sit, stand, jump, and balance on one leg without pain.

I can read, write, and speak English well enough to fill out a questionnaire.

Exclusion Criteria

Had feelings of instability at the ankle

Had an ankle injury within the past 12 months

Had allergies to the sock material used in the study (80% nylon, 14% polyester, 6% elastane)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Warm-up and Familiarization

Participants undergo warm-up exercises and familiarize themselves with the novel sock

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Functional Assessments

Participants perform various functional assessments with and without the novel sock

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for any delayed effects or feedback after assessments

1 week

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Stability Sock

Trial Overview The study tests a 'Stability Sock' designed to improve ankle function and overall postural stability. Participants will be observed performing balance exercises with and without the sock to assess its impact on their stability and confidence in maintaining balance.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Sock Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Ankle and postural stability will be evaluated with and without use of a novel stability sock

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Central Florida

Lead Sponsor

Trials

101

Recruited

1,191,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8149549/

Evaluation of Clinical Outcome Measures - PubMed Central Researchers have identified a significant relationship between ankle muscle weakness and ankle instability [21, 36]. This muscle weakness ...

2. jospt.org jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2021.0302

Ankle Stability and Movement Coordination Impairments Primary concerns of instability, weakness, limited balance responses, and intermittent swelling. 2021 CPG, Acute LAS. Within 72 h following ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7575146/

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SINGLE LEG BALANCE ... That is to say, participants with worse single leg balance were more likely to have weaker hip extension strength. No other significant correlations between ...

4. bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13102-024-00845-1

Effects of combination of strength and balance training on ... The decline of valgus strength of ankle joint is more likely to cause muscle weakness, ligament relaxation and repeated ankle sprains. The ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC164371/

Factors Contributing to Chronic Ankle Instability: A Strength ... Manual muscle tests revealed peroneal weakness in 22% of the ankles examined, and of the 35 injuries associated with both residual changes (increased mobility ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6449016/

THE EFFECT OF NOVEL ANKLE-REALIGNING SOCKS ... The results indicate that wearing the ankle-realigning socks immediately significantly improved dynamic postural stability and subjective ankle instability in ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9323572/

Impact of Sub-Clinical and Clinical Compression Socks on ... The results of this study agree with previous research, demonstrating no effects of compression socks on enhancing ankle stability [35,36,37].

8. digitalcollections.umc.edu digitalcollections.umc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=shr-ri

Nike™ Hypervenom-X footwear with and without localized ... Abstract. Purpose The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of athletic footwear with and without an in-built ankle compres-.

9. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/332667041_THE_EFFECT_OF_NOVEL_ANKLE-REALIGNING_SOCKS_ON_DYNAMIC_POSTURAL_STABILITY_IN_INDIVIDUALS_WITH_CHRONIC_ANKLE_INSTABILITY

the effect of novel ankle-realigning socks on dynamic ... Conclusion: Wearing the novel ankle-realigning socks immediately improved dynamic postural stability as measured by the SEBT and subjective ...