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
More than one million Americans present with foot drop after stroke. As the aging population grows in the United States and across the world, incidence of stroke will grow as age is a key risk factor, thus there will be a need for low-cost, easy-to-use, and scalable solutions to administer proper therapy to promote recovery. This study will evaluate a Variable Friction shoe (VF shoe), a new low-cost medical device, for foot drop in an at-home setting.
• At least 3 months poststroke
• Age 18 or older
• Possess a prescribed AFO or be a potential candidate for use of an AFO
• Can ambulate at least 10m with or without an assistive device such as a cane or walker
• Medically stable as determined by physician medical clearance
• No expected change in medications for at least 3 months
• Adequate stability at the ankle during stance
• Ability to hear clicking noise made by the VF shoe
• Physician approval
⁃ Ability to give informed consent
⁃ Able to sit unsupported and be able to follow a three-step command
⁃ No unhealed/unresolved orthopedic injury to either upper or lower extremity and no history of severe back pain
⁃ English speaking
⁃ Willing to follow an exercise program with both devices for at least 30 minutes per day, at least 5 days per week for the full length of the program (6 months)