AzTrials
AzTrials

Balance AssessmentNCT07412145

How's Your Balance?

An observational study of Balance Assessment and Falls, run by RxFunction Inc. at 1 site in United States.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

The goals of this observational study are to investigate the following: If there is a relationship between prior falls, single leg stance time, and plantar cutaneous sensitivity as measured by monofilaments. Plantar sensitivity across a broad range of ages. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 20 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Balance Assessment, Falls, Plantar Sensation
What is being tested?
None AHT
How many people
1,000 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
23 Aug 2025to Dec 2028
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 20 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Study population: The study population is a convenience sample of individuals who agree to participate in research conducted at the Driven to Discover Research Facility at the Fair.

Who may be able to join

  • Adults, ages 20 and older
  • Able to provide verbal consent

Who cannot join

  • Individuals, ages 19 and younger
  • Inability to provide verbal consent

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Clinical Research Project Manager contact

6123582141

research@rxfunction.com

Senior Clinical Scientist contact

6123582141

research@rxfunction.com

United States1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Driven to Discover Research Facility at the Minnesota State Fair

    Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55108

    Clinical Research Project Manager, 6123582141, research@rxfunction.com

    Senior Clinical Scientist, 6123582141, research@rxfunction.com

    Recruiting

Other trials in United States

About this study

The goals of this observational study are to investigate the following:

  • If there is a relationship between prior falls, single leg stance time, and plantar cutaneous sensitivity as measured by monofilaments.
  • Plantar sensitivity across a broad range of ages.
  • Self-reported physical function related to balance and mobility using the PROMIS® PROWalk™ questionnaire and balance confidence using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale-6 (ABC-6).

Participants will answer questions about themselves and their balance and falls. Their plantar (bottom of their feet) sensation will also be tested using monofilaments. And they will stand on a force plate with their eyes open and closed in dual and single leg stances for up to 30 seconds.

Read the detailed description

Preserving sensory function, particularly in the feet, is essential for preventing falls and maintaining autonomy and health across the human lifespan. Monofilament testing is a widely used clinical tool for assessing foot sensation. In older adults, this test typically involves applying a standardized nylon filament (commonly the 10g monofilament) to specific sites on the plantar surface of the foot. Loss of sensation detected through monofilament testing often indicates peripheral neuropathy, which can be caused by aging, diabetes, or other conditions affecting nerve function. This sensory impairment significantly impacts postural control by reducing the afferent feedback needed for postural adjustments. Thus, monofilament testing serves as a diagnostic tool and a predictor of fall risk, emphasizing the critical role of sensory feedback in maintaining stability and preventing injury in aging populations.

In addition to monofilament testing, single leg stance time is a strong indicator of balance, functional, and neurological health, with shorter times signaling higher fall risks, particularly in older adults. The unipedal or single leg (limb) stance test measures static postural control and is a valuable, quick screening tool in clinical settings to identify individuals in need of further evaluation or rehabilitation. Inability to hold a one-leg stand for at least 5 seconds is a red flag for potential balance issues, while a 30-second hold indicates good stability. We will expand on existing research by examining plantar sensitivity across ages and exploring links between fall history, unipedal stance time, and plantar cutaneous sensation.

Primary Research Question/Hypothesis What is the relationship between physiological aging and Romberg ratio values during standing balance, and how well can age and somatosensory function explain variation in Romberg ratio values? We hypothesize that older age and reduced somatosensory function will be associated with higher Romberg ratio values (i.e., stronger dependence on vision, suggestive of somatosensory deficits) during standing balance.

Secondary Research Question(s)/Hypothesis

  • To what extent does plantar cutaneous sensitivity at different foot sites relate to Romberg ratio values during standing balance, and which site(s) remain significant predictors after controlling for age? We believe that reduced plantar cutaneous sensitivity (higher monofilament thresholds) at medial foot sites will be associated with higher Romberg ratio values, independent of age.
  • How are standing Romberg ratio values related to self-reported physical function (PROMIS® PROWalk™) and balance confidence (ABC-6) across different ages? We hypothesize that self-reported physical function and balance confidence will be significant predictors of standing Romberg ratio values, such that lower PROMIS® PROWalk™ scores and lower ABC-6 scores are associated with higher Romberg ratio values, independent of age.
  • We will continue to evaluate whether the threshold for loss of balance sensation is lower than that for loss of protective sensation (i.e., inability to feel a 10g monofilament at 2 of 5 sites on the plantar surface of the foot). We hypothesize that impaired balance will be associated with reduced or absent plantar cutaneous sensation, regardless of age.
Being tested
None AHT
Keywords
Balance, Falls, Plantar sensation

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • None AHTOther

    This is an observational study that does not involve any intervention.

Study groups in NCT07412145
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
State Fair AttendeesAdults (age 20+) attending the Minnesota State Fair who agree to participate comprise the study group.
Receives: Other: None AHT

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Dual- and Single-Leg Quiet Standing Tests

    The dual- and single-leg quiet standing tests are static balance assessments used to quantify postural sway under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. These tests will be performed on a force plate to determine Romberg ratios. The Romberg ratio compares sway when visual input is removed to sway when visual input is available, providing an index of visual dependence and sensory contribution to upright balance.

    Measured: About 4-5 minutes of a single 20-minute session

Secondary outcomes (5)
  1. Anthropometric Information

    We will collect information about the participants: age, sex, race, ethnicity, fall history, diagnosis of prediabetes or diabetes, diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, etc. No Protected Health Information (PHI) will be collected.

    Measured: About 4-5 minutes of a single 20-minute session

  2. PROMIS® Physical Function v2.0 PROWalk

    Nine items were selected from the 165 items comprising the PROMIS Item Bank v2.0 - Physical Function. Specifically, the selected items measure an individual's ability to perform various activities that involve upright mobility (balance, standing, and walking). Participants rate the nine items on a scale of 1 to 5; the raw scores are converted to T-scores for comparison to national norms.

    Measured: About 2-3 minutes of a single 20-minute session

  3. Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale-6 (ABC-6)

    Powell and Myers developed the 16-item Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale to detect levels of balance confidence in older adults. Schepens et al. (2009) validated a 6-item version of the ABC, using the six most challenging activities from the 16-item scale. The six tasks are rated on a scale of 0 to 100; a score of 0 indicates no confidence and a score of 100 indicates complete confidence when performing the task. The overall score is calculated by adding the individual items then dividing by the total number of items (6). The higher the score, the greater the person's balance confidence; thus, higher scores indicate that subjects are more confident of their balance.

    Measured: 2-3 minutes of a single 20-minute session

  4. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-Short Form

    The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) is a standardized self-report instrument used to assess physical activity across populations. It captures time spent walking, performing moderate and vigorous physical activity, and sitting, typically over the previous 7 days. The IPAQ is available in short and long forms; the short form is commonly used for surveillance and prevalence studies. Responses can be scored to estimate total physical activity, often expressed as MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task)-minutes per week, and to classify activity levels as low, moderate, or high.

    Measured: About 2-3 minutes of a single 20-minute session

  5. Monofilament Testing

    The Centers for Medicare \& Medicaid Services (CMS) identifies the monofilament test as the means of diagnosing loss of protective sensation (https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncd.aspx?NCDId=171). To conduct the test, a clinician applies pressure with various sizes of monofilament to selected parts of the foot and asks the participant to indicate when he/she feels the filament. Per CMS, inability to feel a 10-gram monofilament on at least two of five test sites on either foot indicates loss of protective sensation (LOPS).

    Measured: About 2 minutes of a single 20-minute session

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted17 Feb 2026
  2. Study start23 Aug 2025
  3. Primary completion10 Sep 2028 (estimated)
  4. Study completionDec 2028 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Ecologic or community
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrolment
1,000 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07412145
Sponsor's protocol ID
CIP 0011
Status last verified
Feb 2026
First submitted
9 Feb 2026
Last updated
25 Jun 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided: The sponsor will make a determination on data sharing prior to publication of the results.

Publications

  • Wood WA, Wood MA, Werter SA, Menn JJ, Hamilton SA, Jacoby R, Dellon AL. Testing for loss of protective sensation in patients with foot ulceration: a cross-sectional study. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2005 Sep-Oct;95(5):469-74. doi: 10.7547/0950469.

    PubMed 16166466
  • Verghese J, Holtzer R, Lipton RB, Wang C. Quantitative gait markers and incident fall risk in older adults. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2009 Aug;64(8):896-901. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glp033. Epub 2009 Apr 6.

    PubMed 19349593
  • Araujo CG, de Souza E Silva CG, Laukkanen JA, Fiatarone Singh M, Kunutsor SK, Myers J, Franca JF, Castro CL. Successful 10-second one-legged stance performance predicts survival in middle-aged and older individuals. Br J Sports Med. 2022 Sep;56(17):975-980. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2021-105360. Epub 2022 Jun 21.

    PubMed 35728834
  • Studenski S, Perera S, Patel K, Rosano C, Faulkner K, Inzitari M, Brach J, Chandler J, Cawthon P, Connor EB, Nevitt M, Visser M, Kritchevsky S, Badinelli S, Harris T, Newman AB, Cauley J, Ferrucci L, Guralnik J. Gait speed and survival in older adults. JAMA. 2011 Jan 5;305(1):50-8. doi: 10.1001/jama.2010.1923.

    PubMed 21205966
  • Saltzman CL, Rashid R, Hayes A, Fellner C, Fitzpatrick D, Klapach A, Frantz R, Hillis SL. 4.5-gram monofilament sensation beneath both first metatarsal heads indicates protective foot sensation in diabetic patients. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2004 Apr;86(4):717-23. doi: 10.2106/00004623-200404000-00008.

    PubMed 15069135
  • Rothrock NE, Kaat AJ, Vrahas MS, O'Toole RV, Buono SK, Morrison S, Gershon RC. Validation of PROMIS Physical Function Instruments in Patients With an Orthopaedic Trauma to a Lower Extremity. J Orthop Trauma. 2019 Aug;33(8):377-383. doi: 10.1097/BOT.0000000000001493.

    PubMed 31085947
  • Richardson JK, Hurvitz EA. Peripheral neuropathy: a true risk factor for falls. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 1995 Jul;50(4):M211-5. doi: 10.1093/gerona/50a.4.m211.

    PubMed 7614243
  • Perry SD. Evaluation of age-related plantar-surface insensitivity and onset age of advanced insensitivity in older adults using vibratory and touch sensation tests. Neurosci Lett. 2006 Jan 9;392(1-2):62-7. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2005.08.060. Epub 2005 Sep 23.

    PubMed 16183200
  • Parsons SL, Mansfield A, Inness EL, Patterson KK. The relationship of plantar cutaneous sensation and standing balance post-stroke. Top Stroke Rehabil. 2016 Oct;23(5):326-32. doi: 10.1080/10749357.2016.1162396. Epub 2016 Mar 31.

    PubMed 27077993
  • Nakamoto M, Ideguchi N, Iwata S, Tomita S, Morimoto N, Fukuda S, Kudo S. Validity and Reliability of Criteria for Plantar Sensation Assessment Using Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament as a Clinically Usable Index. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Oct 28;19(21):14092. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192114092.

    PubMed 36360967
  • Meyer PF, Oddsson LI, De Luca CJ. The role of plantar cutaneous sensation in unperturbed stance. Exp Brain Res. 2004 Jun;156(4):505-12. doi: 10.1007/s00221-003-1804-y. Epub 2004 Feb 14.

    PubMed 14968274
  • Hicks CW, Wang D, Daya N, Juraschek SP, Matsushita K, Windham BG, Selvin E. The association of peripheral neuropathy detected by monofilament testing with risk of falls and fractures in older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2023 Jun;71(6):1902-1909. doi: 10.1111/jgs.18338. Epub 2023 Mar 21.

    PubMed 36945108
  • Doi T, Nakakubo S, Tsutsumimoto K, Kurita S, Ishii H, Shimada H. Spatiotemporal gait characteristics and risk of mortality in community-dwelling older adults. Maturitas. 2021 Sep;151:31-35. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2021.06.007. Epub 2021 Jun 24.

    PubMed 34446276
  • Carrer P, Trevisan C, Curreri C, Giantin V, Maggi S, Crepaldi G, Manzato E, Sergi G. Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Examination for Predicting Physical Performance and the Risk of Falls in Older People: Results of the Pro.V.A. Longitudinal Study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2018 Jan;99(1):137-143.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2017.08.480. Epub 2017 Sep 20.

    PubMed 28939426
  • Bretan O, Pinheiro RM, Corrente JE. Balance and plantar cutaneous sensitivity functional assessment in community-dwelling elderly. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2010 Mar-Apr;76(2):219-24. doi: 10.1590/S1808-86942010000200012.

    PubMed 20549083

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Balance Assessment and Falls, run by RxFunction Inc. at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Clinical Research Project Manager (6123582141, research@rxfunction.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Dual- and Single-Leg Quiet Standing Tests (time frame: About 4-5 minutes of a single 20-minute session). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07412145, which also lists 15 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Jun 2026.

Free account

Keep searching with a free account

You’ve used your 3 free searches for this session. Log in or create a free AzTrials account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in