Evaluating a New Sock Design to Improve Ankle and Balance Stability in Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of a novel sock design on ankle and postural stability in adults. This study uses a prospective cohort design to explore how wearing the sock impacts ankle function, muscle activation, and overall stability. It also aims to measure changes in participants confidence when performing balance and stability exercises with and without the sock. Participants will perform a series of functional tests both while wearing the stability sock and without it. These assessments include grip strength, single leg stance, Y-Balance Test, functional reach, single leg hops, balance error scoring, and fingertip to floor tests. The order of testing with or without the sock will be randomized, and each test is timed or measured for performance and balance errors. During the study, participants will provide informed consent and complete a medical history questionnaire to confirm eligibility. They will undergo a warm-up routine before testing and complete all assessments twice, once with and once without the sock. After testing, participants will fill out a questionnaire about their perceptions of performance. The primary outcomes measured immediately after the intervention include grip strength, balance, dynamic stability, and postural control. The study is expected to continue until early 2026.

Novel Sock Design on Ankle and Postural Stability