🏛️ Verified NIH Record • Updated 2026-03-11

Use of an Integrated Orthotic and Rehabilitation Initiative for Treatment of Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders (NCT05780502)

🟢 Recruiting Interventional Protocol 📊 Observational Clinical Research Sponsor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences

🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

The Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis (IDEO) is a custom, energy storage and return ankle orthosis proven to improve functional ability when coupled with a customized high-intensity rehabilitation program. The Return to Performance (RTP) clinical pathway is the civilian version of the evidence-based Return To Run (RTR) clinical pathway. Together, the CUSTOMIZED EXOSKELETAL ORTHOSIS and RTP form a novel orthotic and rehabilitation initiative. A diverse group of patients has utilized the pathway to date, including combat wounded Soldiers undergoing complex limb salvage procedures, those with muscle and tendon deficiencies, patients with postoperative nerve palsies, various lower extremity fractures and many others. With this study we are seeking to determine how participation in CUSTOMIZED EXOSKELETAL ORTHOSIS RTP clinical pathway affects patient outcomes as determined by validated functional outcome measures. Subjects will undergo testing before, during and after completion of the clinical pathway.

Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (3 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (5 items).

Location: Carolinas Medical Center — Charlotte, North Carolina

Age range: 18 Years

🧪 Interventions in This Study

  • Passive Dynamic Brace (BEHAVIORAL)

📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Check every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).

Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:

  • Exclusion Criteria:
  • Less than 18 years of age
  • Self-reported pregnancy
  • Not fitted with a customized exoskeletal orthosis
  • Unable or unwilling to provide written informed consent

🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.

📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • Carolinas Medical Center — Charlotte, North Carolina

📞 Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (704) 355-6969

Email: Rachel.Seymour@advocatehealth.org

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

💡 How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
🏛️ View Official NIH Record ↗