New shoe design to help people with foot drop after stroke
Official title: 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
Funded at University of California Santa Barbara · NIH-10912048 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a special shoe that helps people with foot drop from a stroke walk more safely and naturally, making it easier for them to regain control of their steps and possibly rely less on braces.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Barbara NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Barbara, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $592,685 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD112475-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912048 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced foot drop as a result of a stroke.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have foot drop or those with severe mobility impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel Variable Friction shoe aimed at improving walking for individuals experiencing foot drop due to stroke. The shoe is designed to provide high friction during the stance phase of walking to prevent tripping, while allowing low friction during the swing phase for natural movement. Additionally, it incorporates auditory feedback to enhance therapeutic outcomes. The goal is to enable patients to regain better control over their gait and potentially reduce their reliance on traditional orthotic devices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mobility and independence for patients with foot drop.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise with similar approaches, but this specific method using a Variable Friction shoe is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hawkes, Elliot Wright — University of California Santa Barbara
- Study coordinator: Hawkes, Elliot Wright
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.