Musculoskeletal Growth and DevelopmentNCT07857798
A Study on Associations Between Multidimensional Human Phenotypic Traits and Human Growth and Development
An observational study of Musculoskeletal Growth and Development, run by Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University at 1 site in China.
Trial summary
This observational study aims to investigate the associations between multidimensional human phenotypic characteristics and growth and developmental features. A total of 500 participants aged 6 to 60 years are planned to be enrolled. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 60 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Musculoskeletal Growth and Development
- What is being tested?
- Fingerprint Morphological Characteristics
- How many people
- 500 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChina
- Study dates
- Sep 2026to Sep 2027
- 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 18 to 60 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Study population: Participants will be young adults aged 18 to 25 years recruited primarily from university populations. Eligible participants will undergo standardized assessments of dermatoglyphic, facial, foot, anthropometric, limb proportional, and joint mobility characteristics.
Who may be able to join
- Aged 18 to60 years.
- Able to understand the study procedures and provide informed consent.
- Willing and able to complete the required phenotypic assessments and measurements.
Who cannot join
- History of surgery that may affect musculoskeletal morphology or function.
- Known congenital or developmental disorders that may affect physical growth, limb development, or musculoskeletal morphology.
- Unable to complete the required study assessments.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
China1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515
YiJian Li, PhD, +86-20-62787238, nfyyec@163.com
Chao Chen, PhD
About this study
This observational study aims to investigate the associations between multidimensional human phenotypic characteristics and growth and developmental features. A total of 500 participants aged 6 to 60 years are planned to be enrolled. Multidimensional phenotypic characteristics will be assessed using non-invasive methods, including fingerprint imaging, foot morphology assessment, facial and tongue feature acquisition, anthropometric measurements, and musculoskeletal examinations. Development-related musculoskeletal characteristics, including plantar arch morphology, lower-limb alignment, joint range of motion, and generalized joint mobility, will also be assessed. The collected data will be analyzed to explore associations between external phenotypic characteristics and musculoskeletal growth and developmental features.
Read the detailed description
Primary Objective:
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the associations between multidimensional human phenotypic characteristics and musculoskeletal growth and developmental features. Multidimensional phenotypic data will be collected using non-invasive assessment methods. Fingerprint characteristics will be obtained using high-resolution fingerprint imaging and characterized according to dermatoglyphic patterns and quantitative features. Foot morphology and plantar arch characteristics will be assessed using three-dimensional foot scanning. Facial and tongue features will be acquired using standardized digital imaging methods. Anthropometric characteristics and joint range of motion will also be measured using standardized procedures.
Musculoskeletal growth and developmental characteristics will be evaluated through physical examination and quantitative measurements. These assessments will include plantar arch morphology, lower-limb alignment, joint range of motion, and generalized joint mobility assessed using the Beighton score. Associations between multidimensional phenotypic characteristics and these musculoskeletal developmental features will be examined using appropriate statistical methods.
Secondary Objective:
The secondary objective is to explore whether combinations of multidimensional phenotypic characteristics are associated with specific patterns of musculoskeletal growth and development. The study will integrate fingerprint, foot, facial and tongue, anthropometric, and musculoskeletal data to investigate potential relationships among different phenotypic dimensions. Exploratory multivariable and machine-learning analyses may be used to identify combinations of phenotypic features associated with musculoskeletal developmental characteristics.
- Conditions
- Musculoskeletal Growth and Development
- Being tested
- Fingerprint Morphological Characteristics
- Keywords
- Human Phenotype, Dermatoglyphics, Fingerprint Characteristics, Foot Morphology, Growth and Development, Musculoskeletal Development, Joint Hypermobility, Anthropometry
- Medical subject headings
- Joint Instability
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Fingerprint Morphological CharacteristicsOther
Fingerprint images of all ten fingers will be collected using a high-resolution fingerprint scanner. Dermatoglyphic characteristics, including fingerprint pattern types (arch, loop, and whorl), total ridge counts, and ridge counts of individual fingers, will be quantitatively and qualitatively assessed. These naturally occurring phenotypic characteristics are observed and measured only, with no intervention assigned to participants.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Group | Adult participants aged 18 to 60 years who undergo multidimensional phenotypic assessments, including fingerprint imaging, foot morphology assessment, facial and tongue feature acquisition, anthropometric measurements, joint range of motion assessment, and evaluation of generalized joint mobility and other musculoskeletal developmental characteristics. Receives: Other: Fingerprint Morphological Characteristics | |
| Minor Group | Participants aged 6 to 17 years who undergo multidimensional phenotypic assessments, including fingerprint imaging, foot morphology assessment, facial and tongue feature acquisition, anthropometric measurements, joint range of motion assessment, and evaluation of generalized joint mobility and other musculoskeletal developmental characteristics. Receives: Other: Fingerprint Morphological Characteristics |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Foot Arch Morphology Assessed by Arch Index
Foot arch morphology will be assessed using the Arch Index derived from standardized foot measurements. The Arch Index will be used as a quantitative indicator of plantar arch morphology to characterize variations in foot development among participants.
Measured: Baseline
Generalized Joint Hypermobility Assessed by Beighton Score
Generalized joint hypermobility will be assessed using the 9-point Beighton scoring system. The total score ranges from 0 to 9, with higher scores indicating greater generalized joint hypermobility.
Measured: Baseline
Secondary outcomes (4)
Anthropometric and Limb Proportional Measurements
Anthropometric measurements, including height, body weight, upper- and lower-limb lengths, and other relevant body dimensions, will be collected using standardized measurement procedures. Limb proportional indices will be calculated to characterize individual differences in body and limb morphology.
Measured: Baseline
Foot Morphological Characteristics
Foot morphological characteristics will be assessed using standardized foot scanning and measurement procedures. Measures will include foot dimensions and morphological features derived from plantar and foot-shape data to characterize individual variations in foot morphology.
Measured: Baseline
Fingerprint Dermatoglyphic Characteristics
Fingerprint images will be collected using a standardized acquisition procedure. Dermatoglyphic characteristics, including fingerprint pattern types and other morphological features, will be extracted and analyzed to investigate their associations with foot morphology, limb proportions, and generalized joint hypermobility.
Measured: Baseline
Facial Morphological Characteristics
Standardized facial images will be collected under controlled acquisition conditions. Facial morphological characteristics and quantitative facial features will be extracted from the images to characterize individual variations in facial morphology and to investigate their associations with limb and musculoskeletal phenotypes.
Measured: Baseline
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted5 Oct 2026
- Study startSep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionSep 2027 (estimated)
- Study completionSep 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (4)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Musculoskeletal Growth and DevelopmentStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 500 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07857798
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- NFEC-2026-524
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 29 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 19 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared at this time due to concerns regarding participant privacy and confidentiality.
Publications
Malek S, Reinhold EJ, Pearce GS. The Beighton Score as a measure of generalised joint hypermobility. Rheumatol Int. 2021 Oct;41(10):1707-1716. doi: 10.1007/s00296-021-04832-4. Epub 2021 Mar 18.
PubMed 33738549Cavanagh PR, Rodgers MM. The arch index: a useful measure from footprints. J Biomech. 1987;20(5):547-51. doi: 10.1016/0021-9290(87)90255-7.
PubMed 3611129Rothhammer F, Llop E, Neel JV. Dermatoglyphic characters and physique: a correlation study. Am J Phys Anthropol. 1982 Jan;57(1):99-101. doi: 10.1002/ajpa.1330570110.
PubMed 7137325Livshits G, Kobyliansky E. Dermatoglyphic traits as possible markers of developmental processes in humans. Am J Med Genet. 1987 Jan;26(1):111-22. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.1320260118.
PubMed 3812551
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 19 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A Study on Associations Between Multidimensional Human Phenotypic Traits and Human Growth and Development
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07857798
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- NFEC-2026-524
- Conditions
- Musculoskeletal Growth and Development
- Keywords
- Human Phenotype, Dermatoglyphics, Fingerprint Characteristics, Foot Morphology, Growth and Development, Musculoskeletal Development, Joint Hypermobility, Anthropometry
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 500 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Sep 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Sep 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 5 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This observational study aims to investigate the associations between multidimensional human phenotypic characteristics and growth and developmental features. A total of 500 participants aged 6 to 60 years are planned to be enrolled. Multidimensional phenotypic characteristics will be assessed using non-invasive methods, including fingerprint imaging, foot morphology assessment, facial and tongue feature acquisition, anthropometric measurements, and musculoskeletal examinations. Development-related musculoskeletal characteristics, including plantar arch morphology, lower-limb alignment, joint range of motion, and generalized joint mobility, will also be assessed. The collected data will be analyzed to explore associations between external phenotypic characteristics and musculoskeletal growth and developmental features.
Detailed description
Primary Objective:
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the associations between multidimensional human phenotypic characteristics and musculoskeletal growth and developmental features. Multidimensional phenotypic data will be collected using non-invasive assessment methods. Fingerprint characteristics will be obtained using high-resolution fingerprint imaging and characterized according to dermatoglyphic patterns and quantitative features. Foot morphology and plantar arch characteristics will be assessed using three-dimensional foot scanning. Facial and tongue features will be acquired using standardized digital imaging methods. Anthropometric characteristics and joint range of motion will also be measured using standardized procedures.
Musculoskeletal growth and developmental characteristics will be evaluated through physical examination and quantitative measurements. These assessments will include plantar arch morphology, lower-limb alignment, joint range of motion, and generalized joint mobility assessed using the Beighton score. Associations between multidimensional phenotypic characteristics and these musculoskeletal developmental features will be examined using appropriate statistical methods.
Secondary Objective:
The secondary objective is to explore whether combinations of multidimensional phenotypic characteristics are associated with specific patterns of musculoskeletal growth and development. The study will integrate fingerprint, foot, facial and tongue, anthropometric, and musculoskeletal data to investigate potential relationships among different phenotypic dimensions. Exploratory multivariable and machine-learning analyses may be used to identify combinations of phenotypic features associated with musculoskeletal developmental characteristics.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Group | – | Other: Fingerprint Morphological CharacteristicsAdult participants aged 18 to 60 years who undergo multidimensional phenotypic assessments, including fingerprint imaging, foot morphology assessment, facial and tongue feature acquisition, anthropometric measurements, joint range of motion assessment, and evaluation of generalized joint mobility and other musculoskeletal developmental characteristics. |
| Minor Group | – | Other: Fingerprint Morphological CharacteristicsParticipants aged 6 to 17 years who undergo multidimensional phenotypic assessments, including fingerprint imaging, foot morphology assessment, facial and tongue feature acquisition, anthropometric measurements, joint range of motion assessment, and evaluation of generalized joint mobility and other musculoskeletal developmental characteristics. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
- Study population
- Participants will be young adults aged 18 to 25 years recruited primarily from university populations. Eligible participants will undergo standardized assessments of dermatoglyphic, facial, foot, anthropometric, limb proportional, and joint mobility characteristics.
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Aged 18 to60 years.
- Able to understand the study procedures and provide informed consent.
- Willing and able to complete the required phenotypic assessments and measurements.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- History of surgery that may affect musculoskeletal morphology or function.
- Known congenital or developmental disorders that may affect physical growth, limb development, or musculoskeletal morphology.
- Unable to complete the required study assessments.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint Morphological CharacteristicsFingerprint images of all ten fingers will be collected using a high-resolution fingerprint scanner. Dermatoglyphic characteristics, including fingerprint pattern types (arch, loop, and whorl), total ridge counts, and ridge counts of individual fingers, will be quantitatively and qualitatively assessed. These naturally occurring phenotypic characteristics are observed and measured only, with no intervention assigned to participants. | Other | Adult Group, Minor Group |
Primary outcome
Foot Arch Morphology Assessed by Arch Index
Time frame: Baseline
Foot arch morphology will be assessed using the Arch Index derived from standardized foot measurements. The Arch Index will be used as a quantitative indicator of plantar arch morphology to characterize variations in foot development among participants.
Generalized Joint Hypermobility Assessed by Beighton Score
Time frame: Baseline
Generalized joint hypermobility will be assessed using the 9-point Beighton scoring system. The total score ranges from 0 to 9, with higher scores indicating greater generalized joint hypermobility.
4 secondary outcomes
Anthropometric and Limb Proportional Measurements
Time frame: Baseline
Foot Morphological Characteristics
Time frame: Baseline
Fingerprint Dermatoglyphic Characteristics
Time frame: Baseline
Facial Morphological Characteristics
Time frame: Baseline
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 19 Oct 2026.
- Results publication: PubMed 33738549Malek S, Reinhold EJ, Pearce GS. The Beighton Score as a measure of generalised joint hypermobility. Rheumatol Int. 2021 Oct;41(10):1707-1716. doi: 10.1007/s00296-021-04832-4. Epub 2021 Mar 18.
- Results publication: PubMed 3611129Cavanagh PR, Rodgers MM. The arch index: a useful measure from footprints. J Biomech. 1987;20(5):547-51. doi: 10.1016/0021-9290(87)90255-7.
- Results publication: PubMed 7137325Rothhammer F, Llop E, Neel JV. Dermatoglyphic characters and physique: a correlation study. Am J Phys Anthropol. 1982 Jan;57(1):99-101. doi: 10.1002/ajpa.1330570110.
- Results publication: PubMed 3812551Livshits G, Kobyliansky E. Dermatoglyphic traits as possible markers of developmental processes in humans. Am J Med Genet. 1987 Jan;26(1):111-22. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.1320260118.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared at this time due to concerns regarding participant privacy and confidentiality.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Musculoskeletal Growth and Development, run by Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University at 1 site in China.
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 3 inclusion and 3 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 19 Oct 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 China. 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 Chao Chen (86+13580348819, chenchao@smu.edu.cn), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Foot Arch Morphology Assessed by Arch Index (time frame: Baseline). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. 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 NCT07857798, which also lists 4 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 19 Oct 2026.