C-Brace Prospective Registry

DEVICE

C-Brace

The C-Brace consists of individually fabricated thigh, calf and foot components. An ankle joint, unilateral or bilateral fitting, or an individual spring element connects the foot and calf components. The sensor system continuously measures the flexion of the knee joint and its angular acceleration. This allows the C-Brace to detect the user's current walking phase, so it can regulate the hydraulic resistances as well as control the flexion and extension of the knee joint.

Primary Efficacy: Timed Walk Test

Time frame: Change in walking speed with the C-Brace measured either by a 25-ft or 10-m walk test compared to baseline measurements when assessed 12 months after initial fitting

The Timed Walk test is used to measure gait speed on either a 25-foot or 10-meter straight course timed using the middle 10 feet or 6 meters, respectively. Three trials are performed and the average of the three used. Patients are allowed the use of assistive device (such as a cane, crutches or walker) that they normally use for in home or community ambulation.

Primary Efficacy: Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test

Time frame: Changes in mobility, balance, risk of falling, and walking ability as measured by TUG test with the C-Brace system compared to baseline when assessed 12 months after the initial fitting.

Originally designed to test mobility skills in the elderly, the TUG is a validated test for quantifying functional mobility and risk of falling. In the TUG Test, patients are asked to stand up from a chair, walk ten feet, turn and return to the chair, and then sit on the chair. For centers routinely using the TUG as a part of their standard of care, this data (time to complete in seconds) will be collected at baseline and follow-up visits when available. Predictive results from the test are as follows: \<10s, Freely mobile; \< 20s, Mostly independent; 20-29s, Variable mobility.

Primary Efficacy: Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC)

Time frame: Changes in perceived balance confidence as assessed by the ABC score with the C-Brace system compared to baseline when assessed 12 months after the initial fitting.

Assessment of patient-perceived balance confidence for 16 activities of daily living. For each activity, subjects rate their level of confidence in doing the activity without losing their balance or becoming unsteady on a scale from 0% to 100%, with 100% being the highest level of confidence. The total score for the ABC scale is an average of all activity scores.

Primary Safety: Frequency and severity of falling

Time frame: Changes in numbers of device-related adverse events experienced by C Brace users by frequency and severity compared to baseline measurement when assessed 12 months after the initial fitting

The number and percentage of patients who experience one or more adverse events during their participation in the registry will be computed along with the exact 95% binomial confidence interval. The number and percentage of subjects who experience a serious adverse event will also be tabulated along with the exact 95% binomial confidence interval. Events will also be categorized and the number of events and number of patients for each category will be presented. In addition, a complete listing of adverse events along with their relationship to the device, severity, seriousness and outcome will be constructed.

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.