Actively Recruiting
Virtual Function Anatomy (VFA) Study Using MRI and Ultrasound to Evaluate Joint Function and Movement Disorders
Led by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · Updated on 2026-06-01
750
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how muscles, tendons, and bones work together to produce movement using advanced imaging methods. This study focuses on developing and validating tools to measure and visualize three-dimensional joint anatomy and tissue dynamics during movement. The aim is to improve diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal impairments related to joint function by studying both normal and impaired joints using combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound techniques. Participants aged 5 to 95 years old, both with and without musculoskeletal impairments, will undergo MRI and ultrasound imaging. During MRI sessions, participants lie inside a scanner for up to 3 hours while moving specific joints briefly. Ultrasound will also capture detailed images of muscles and bones to assess joint components. The study involves static and dynamic imaging to create digital 3D models of joint tissues under functional conditions. Participants will be asked to perform brief joint movements during imaging and can communicate with staff at any time. The study measures include dynamic MRI assessments of tissue velocity and joint motion during knee movement, along with ultrasound imaging of muscles and bones. Safety screenings for MRI compatibility will be conducted, and the study monitors normal and impaired joint function over the course of the imaging sessions.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
MRI Study of Musculoskeletal Function
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Participants must be between 5 and 95 years old.
- Minors under 18 must be able to provide assent with parental or guardian permission.
- Adults 18 and older must be able to provide informed consent.
- Participants with musculoskeletal impairments must have a relevant injury, impairment, or pathology.
- All participants must be able to undergo MRI scanning.
- Healthy volunteers without musculoskeletal impairment are also eligible if they meet age and MRI ability criteria.
You will not qualify if you...
- Participants must complete an MRI safety screening; any contraindications may exclude them.
- Healthy volunteers must not have medical problems affecting the joint studied.
- No serious injury, previous surgery, or extreme pain in the joint or limb being studied for healthy volunteers.
- No neurologic pathology affecting the musculoskeletal system.
- Contraindications identified during MRI screening may exclude participation in MRI scans.
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person) for MRI safety and eligibility assessment
Duration - 1 day
Participants undergo MRI and ultrasound imaging to capture static and dynamic musculoskeletal anatomy and joint function.
1 to 2 imaging visits depending on protocol requirements
Duration - Variable depending on follow-up assessments
Participants' imaging data are analyzed to evaluate joint function and musculoskeletal impairments over time.
Additional visits may occur depending on cohort assignment
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
F
Frances T Gavelli, Ph.D.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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