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  5. Evaluation of a Variable Friction Shoe for People with Foot Drop due to Stroke

Characterization and Clinical Trial of a Variable Friction Shoe, a new Paradigm of Reduced-Constraint Locomotor Therapy for People Exhibiting Foot Drop due to Stroke

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Overview

Current standards of care for drop foot prevent tripping by applying a constant force to the ankle, which limits a person’s ability to move their foot freely. In contrast, the proposed research is innovative as it allows people to control their ankle movement while still reducing the risk of tripping. Additionally, the device provides auditory biofeedback to inform the user that a scuff has occurred, encouraging scuff-free walking. The simplicity of the proposed intervention will enable home-based and multi-institute, large-population studies to help illuminate the effects of this paradigm of drop foot rehabilitation therapy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of the Variable Friction shoe on gait in individuals with chronic stroke and foot drop.

Subject Population

  • > 3 months
  • Possess a prescribed AFO or potential candidate for use of an AFO
  • Can ambulate at least 10m with or without an assistive device

Study Personnel

Arun Jayaraman, PT, PhD

Arun Jayaraman, PT, PhD

Executive Director, Technology & Innovation Hub (tiHUB); Director, Max N?der Center for Rehabilitation Technologies & Outcomes Research

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Study Partners

University of California Santa Barbara

Funding Source

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Participation

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