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Active, not recruitingNCT02089880Updated May 1, 2025

Comparing Functional Outcomes in Individuals Using Micro-processor Controlled Orthosis Versus Stance Control Orthosis

An interventional study of C-brace and Stance control orthosis in Spinal Cord Injuries, Poliomyelitis and Post-polio Syndrome, sponsored by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Active, not recruiting at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 80 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-05-01.

Sponsored by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · Not applicable, Interventional, and Supportive care

From the registry’s dates

  • Primary completion was expected by Dec 2025, 11 months ago, but the record still lists the study as active, not recruiting.
Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
24
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years to 80 Years
Sex
All
01

Study summary

The study will specifically evaluate the potential of the C-Brace to improve the functional mobility and quality of life in individuals with lower extremity impairments due to neurologic or neuromuscular disease, orthopedic disease or trauma, as compared to the stance control orthosis.

02

Conditions studied

  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Poliomyelitis
  • Post-polio Syndrome
  • Arthritis
  • Lower Motor Neurone Lesion
03

In context

Spinal Cord Injuries

2,025 studies on the registry are indexed under Spinal Cord Injuries; 537 are open to participants now.

This study's planned enrollment of 24 is close to the median of 24 across 1,633 interventional studies indexed under Spinal Cord Injuries.

Browse Spinal Cord Injuries studies →

Lead sponsor

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the lead sponsor of 180 studies on the registry; 44 are open to participants now.

Of its 10 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 4 (40%) have results posted.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years to 80 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.

Inclusion criteria

  • Lower extremity functional impairment due to neurologic or neuromuscular disease, orthopedic disease or trauma.
  • Prior active and compliant use of unilateral Knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) or Stance control orthosis (SCO).
  • Age 18 - 80 years.
  • Demonstrate a reciprocal gait pattern using the SCO and C-Brace trial tools.
  • Cognitive ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written .
  • Subjects must be able to demonstrate the ability to turn the global positioning sensor (GPS) and Actigraph units on and off and sufficient memory ability to wear the devices each day during use of the orthoses.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Passive ankle range of motion (PROM) of the lower extremity requiring the knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) of less than 2 degrees.
  • Body weight >275 pounds.
  • Unstable neurological or cardiovascular/pulmonary disease, cancer.
  • Knee flexion contracture resulting in the inability to actively use C-Brace or SCO.
  • Participating in physical therapy currently or within 1 month of starting protocol, specific to orthotic use and gait training.
Terms in these criteria, in plain language(1)

Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.

Informed consent

Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.

You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.

05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Supportive care
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Crossover assignment
Masking
None (open label)
Enrollment
24 participants (estimated)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    C-brace then stance control orthosis

    Device: C-brace · Device: Stance control orthosis

  • Experimental
    Stance control orthosis then C-brace

    Device: C-brace · Device: Stance control orthosis

Interventions

  • DeviceC-brace

    The participant will receive 6 sessions of training over a one month period in using the C-brace in all levels of functional gait. The participant will then continue use of the C-brace for one month following training. The C-Brace from Otto Bock is an orthosis that controls throughout stance and swing phases of gait with a micro-processor (MP) controlled knee.

    Also known as: C-Brace by Ottobock

  • DeviceStance control orthosis

    The participant will receive 6 sessions of training over a one month period in using his current stance control knee-ankle-foot orthosis (SCO) in all levels of functional gait. The participant will then continue use of the SCO for one month following training. The SCO controls the knee by maintaining it straight and extended during the stance phase of gait.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Six minute walk test (6MWT)

    The test measures the distance that the patient can walk on a flat, hard surface, indoors, in a period of 6 minutes. The walk test is patient self-paced and assesses the level of functional capacity. Patients are allowed to stop and rest during the test, however, the timer does not stop. If the patient is unable to complete the time, the time stopped is noted and reason for stopping prematurely is recorded. This test will be administered while wearing a mask to measure oxygen consumption.

    Time frame: Change from baseline in 6MWT using device 1 at 8 weeks and using device 2 at 16 weeks.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Muscle strength

    Muscle strength with be assessed using a hand held dynamometer for muscle strength testing of the lower limb.

    Time frame: Change from baseline in muscle strength after device 1 use at 8 weeks and after device 2 use at 16 weeks.

  2. Passive and active range of motion

    Time frame: Change from baseline in range of motion after device 1 use at 8 weeks and after device 2 use at 16 weeks.

  3. 10 meter walk test

    This test will examine the patient's gait speed. Patients will be directed to walk at their preferred maximum but safe speed. Patients will be positioned 1 meter before the start line and instructed to walk the entire distance and past the end line approximately 1 meter. The distance before and after the course are meant to minimize the effect of acceleration and deceleration. Time will be recorded using a stopwatch and recorded to the one hundredth of a second (ex: 2.15 sec). The test will be recorded 2 times, with adequate rest in between. The average of the 2 times should be recorded.

    Time frame: Change from baseline in gait speed using device 1 at 8 weeks and using device 2 at 16 weeks.

  4. Hill Assessment Index

    The Hill Assessment Index is a 12 point ordinal scale used to assess different gait patterns during ascent or descent of slopes. It was developed to detect differences in function with different knee units for transfemoral prosthetics.

    Time frame: Change from baseline in hill descent using device 1 at 8 weeks and using device 2 at 16 weeks.

  5. Stair Assessment Index

    The Stair Assessment Index is a 14 point ordinal scale originally used to assess functional abilities during ascent and descent of stairs.

    Time frame: Change from baseline in stair descent using device 1 at 8 weeks and using device 2 at 16 weeks.

  6. Cross Walk Blinking Signal Test

    The cross walk blinking signal test will measure how long it takes a participant to cross a designated street. The street that is designated for the street is 2 lanes and has ramps from the sidewalk to the street. The distance measured will be from the end of the ramp or edge of the curb on either side of the street.

    Time frame: Change from baseline in the Cross Walk Blinking Signal Test using device 1 at 8 weeks and using device 2 at 16 weeks.

  7. GAITRite Data Capture

    The GAITRite system automates measuring temporal and spatial gait parameters via an electronic walkway connected to a computer. The GAITRite electronic walkway contains sensor pads encapsulated in a carpet to collect gait information. The system can be laid over any flat surface. The GAITRite electronic walkway for the study shall be a minimum of 14 feet long. The GAITRite data capture was chosen as measurement of the patient's overall gait quality. Patients will be asked to walk at a self-selected speed across the GAITRite electronic walkway.

    Time frame: Change from baseline in gait parameters using device 1 at 8 weeks and using device 2 at 16 weeks.

  8. Berg Balance Scale

    The Berg Balance Scale is a 14-item scale designed to measure balance in adults in a clinical setting. When scoring, the lowest response category that applies should be recorded. In each item, points should be deducted if the time or distance requirements are not met, the subject's performance requires supervision, or the subject requires assistance from support or examiner.

    Time frame: Change from baseline in Berg Balance Scale score using device 1 at 8 weeks and using device 2 at 16 weeks.

  9. Functional Gait Assessment

    The Functional Gait Assessment is a 10 item test used to assess postural stability during walking tasks. It has a maximum score of 30 with each item being scored 0-3. It may be performed with or without an assistive device; however, individuals lose a point on all items requiring a device.

    Time frame: Change from baseline in Functional Gait Assessment scores using device 1 at 8 weeks and using device 2 at 16 weeks.

  10. 5 times sit to stand test

    The 5 Time Sit to Stand Test is a measure of functional lower limb strength during transitional movement. The individual sits in a standard height chair (43-45 cm) and is instructed to stand up and sit down 5 times as quickly as possible.

    Time frame: Change from baseline in 5 times sit to stand test using device 1 at 8 weeks and using device 2 at 16 weeks.

Other outcomes

  1. Modified Falls Efficacy Scale

    The Modified Falls Efficacy Scale is self-report questionnaire consisting of 14 items which is designed to measure fear of falling in the elderly. It assesses an individual's perception of balance during activities of daily living by asking "how confident are you that you can do the following activities without falling."

    Time frame: Change from baseline in Modified Falls Efficacy Scale after device 1 use at 8 weeks and after device 2 use at 16 weeks.

  2. Orthotics and Prosthetics User Survey

    The Orthotic and Prosthetics User Survey is a self-report questionnaire which is designed to evaluate the outcome of orthotic and prosthetic services. We will administer three of the five domains: lower limb functional measure, health-related quality of life and satisfaction with device.

    Time frame: Change from baseline in Orthotics and Prosthetics User Survey after device 1 use at 8 weeks and after device 2 use at 16 weeks.

  3. World Health Organization Quality of Life, brief form (WHOQOL-BREF)

    The WHOQOL-BREF is a self-report questionnaire that measures an individual's perceived quality of life. It contains four domains which cover physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment. Scores range from 0-100 with 100 indicating a higher quality of life.

    Time frame: Change from baseline in WHOQOL-BREF after device 1 use at 8 weeks and after device 2 use at 16 weeks.

  4. Global Positioning System (GPS)

    GPS will be used to measure community mobility during the home use period, at baseline and after training with each device.

    Time frame: Change from baseline measurement after device 1 training at 8 weeks and after device 2 training at 16 weeks.

  5. Actigraph

    The Actigraph is a small accelerometer worn on a belt which can identify performance of functional activities during use.

    Time frame: Change from baseline measurement after device 1 training at 8 weeks and after device 2 training at 16 weeks.

  6. Metria Sensor A wireless wearable sensor used in conjunction with the Actigraph to measure activity and monitor vitals and energy use during functional activities.

    The Metria Sensor is a wireless wearable sensor used in conjunction with the Actigraph to measure activity and monitor vitals and energy use during functional activities.

    Time frame: Change from baseline measurement after device 1 training at 8 weeks and after device 2 training at 16 weeks.

07

Study locations

1 site
  • Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
    Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
08

References and documents

Publications

  • Deems-Dluhy S, Hoppe-Ludwig S, Mummidisetty CK, Semik P, Heinemann AW, Jayaraman A. Microprocessor Controlled Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO) vs Stance Control vs Locked KAFO: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2021 Feb;102(2):233-244. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2020.08.013. Epub 2020 Sep 22. PubMed 32976844 ↗
09

Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on May 1, 2025, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT02089880
Collaborators
Otto Bock Healthcare Products GmbH
Responsible party
Arun Jayaraman, PT, PhD (Research Scientist, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab) — Principal investigator
First posted
Mar 18, 2014
Start date
Feb 2014
Primary completion
Dec 2025 (estimated)
Completion
Dec 2025 (estimated)
Last update
May 1, 2025
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Not currently enrolling

This study is active, not recruiting, as verified in Apr 2025. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

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