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NCT Number: NCT06445491

Effect of Sequencing on Outcome Measures

This pilot study will examine the effect of testing order on test outcomes for measures of strength, dynamic balance, and movement quality. Each participant will perform a baseline test, then will perform the 6 iterations of the testing sequence.

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Key information

Conditions

Muscle Weakness Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Manifestations Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–57 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

LSUHSC-Shreveport

Shreveport, Louisiana, 71103, United States

About this study

This study employs a Repeated Measures Design, with each participant tested multiple times in combinations of 1) the Isokinetic Torque Test, 2) the Y-Balance Test/Firefighter-Specific Functional-Balance Test, and 3) the Forward-Step-Down Test. The investigators will conduct a total of seven testing sessions, including a control session (informed consent, familiarization with outcome measures, and control data collection) and the following six different patterns: 1-2-3, 1-3-2, 2-1-3, 2-3-1, 3-1-2, and 3-2-1. The order of the sessions will be randomized and counterbalanced to prevent bias effects. The control session will be performed in the following order: (1) Forward-Step-Down Test, (2a) Firefighter Specific Functional Balance Test, (2b) Y-balance test, (3) isokinetic tests (hip then knee).

Participants will be asked to avoid exercise or vigorous physical activity for the 24 hours prior to any testing session to minimize the effects of non-test-related fatigue on the study outcomes. Pre and post-test fatigue will be measured with the Rating of Fatigue (ROF) Scale. Pre-and post-test exertion will be measured with the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale (attached). Heartrate will be measured and recorded at each scale rating point.

Upon arrival for the control session, participants will have their height measured using a stadiometer and their weight recorded. This will be followed by the performance of the initial 1-2-3 pattern. The time needed for the participant to perform each test will be recorded and subsequent performances of that test will be carried out in this time frame.

For visits two through seven, participants will be weighed again upon arrival and perform one of the six patterns. Sessions two to seven will be separated by at least one day to minimize the influence of fatigue. Each session will include isokinetic torque measurements of the hip abductors and adductors, knee flexors and extensors, the Y-Balance Test, the Firefighter-Specific Functional-Balance Test, and the Forward-Step-Down Test. The dominant leg will be used for unilateral tests, as determined by the leg used to kick a ball. The order of outcome measures will be randomized for each participant to minimize the effects of fatigue and recovery.

Five minutes of warm-up on a stationary bike or walking will be performed to start each exercise session. Five minutes of rest and instruction will be provided between each outcome measure. Five minutes of rest will be given between isokinetic tests (hip abduction to adduction) to allow for machine set-up and instructions. One minute of rest will be given between each isokinetic speed, with three speeds tested for the hip (30°, 60°, and 120° per second) and knee (60°, 180°, and 300° per second) muscles.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • healthy adult by Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire+ screening process

Exclusion criteria

  • lower extremity or spine injury in past 6 months
  • vestibular disorder
  • known pregnancy
  • inability to complete data collection

Treatment and study plan

Control order

Other

Participants will perform an initial baseline of tests, order of 1- 2- 3

Randomized sequence

Other

the testing order will be randomized for follow up testing.

Primary outcomes

  1. Forward-Step-Down Test

    Time frame: This outcome will be assessed at each visit throughout the study, an average of 6 weeks.

    a step-down task that is performed off a 20 cm box. Five repetitions are performed to give one score (minimum score 0, maximum score 6). A higher score is worse.

  2. Firefighter Specific Functional Balance Test

    Time frame: This outcome will be assessed at each visit throughout the study, an average of 6 weeks.

    A dynamic balance test performed by stepping down from a 15cm box, walking across a low beam (4cm high), and stepping up onto a 10cm box, turning around, and returning to the original box. 8 Trials are performed. In 4 trials, a bar is placed at 75% of the participant's height for them to negotiate while on the beam. A faster time with fewer errors is better.

  3. Y-Balance Test

    Time frame: This outcome will be assessed at each visit throughout the study, an average of 6 weeks.

    A dynamic balance test that is performed on the dominant leg, reaching in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. The length of reach is standardized to participants' leg length. A higher score is better.

  4. Knee Extensor Isokinetic Test

    Time frame: This outcome will be assessed at each visit throughout the study, an average of 6 weeks.

    Knee extensor isokinetic strength will be tested at 60°, 180°, and 300° per second from the seated position with 5, 10, and 10 concentric contractions for each speed. A higher reading of strength is better.

  5. Hip Abductor Isokinetic Test

    Time frame: This outcome will be assessed at each visit throughout the study, an average of 6 weeks.

    Hip abductor strength will be tested at 30°, 60°, and 120° per second from the standing position. A higher reading of strength is better.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Rating of Fatigue

    Time frame: This outcome will be assessed at each visit throughout the study, an average of 6 weeks.

    A score from 0-10 will be provided before and after each test category (strength, balance, movement quality). A higher score indicated more fatigue.

  2. Rating of Perceived Exertion

    Time frame: This outcome will be assessed at each visit throughout the study, an average of 6 weeks.

    A score from 6-20 will be provided before and after each test category (strength, balance, movement quality). A higher score indicated more perceived exertion.

  3. Heartrate

    Time frame: This outcome will be assessed at each visit throughout the study, an average of 6 weeks.

    heartrate will be recorded as a measure of physiological effort and for participant safety.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Influence of Test Order of Isokinetic Torque, Y-Balance/Firefighter-Specific Functional-Balance, and Forward-Step-Down on Test Performance: Identifying Optimal Sequences

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Jun 6, 2024
Registry last updated
Dec 13, 2024

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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