App to teach safe fitting and use of canes, crutches, and walkers
Official title: Exploring the Influence of a Novel Application for Training and Evaluating Walking Implementation of an App-based Walking Aid Skills Training Program Aid Skills in Walking Aid Users: A Protocol for a Pragmatic Single-blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by University of Calgary · NCT05347875 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test will see if an app helps adults who regularly use canes, crutches, or walkers learn to fit and use their walking aids more safely.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Calgary Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Calgary, Alberta and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05347875 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18–99) who use a walking aid for more than 75% of their ambulatory time, can communicate in English or French, and are able to give informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
People who use a wheelchair more than 25% of the time, have significant cognitive or visual impairments, cannot use a smartphone app, or cannot provide informed consent are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-masked, two-centre randomized controlled trial will enroll 52 adults who use a walking aid most of the time and randomly assign them to either an app-based walking-aid skills program or a control app delivering breathing-skill videos. Both groups will use the Move Improve® platform to view instructional videos and record secure videos of themselves performing skills for therapist review. The primary focus is on the usability and feasibility of the ICanWALK© walking-aid training app, with outcomes collected from participants and their physical therapists at sites in Calgary and Québec City. Additional measures will capture user comfort, adherence to the training program, and any adverse events related to walking-aid use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the app could help people fit and use walking aids better, potentially reducing pain, falls, and related healthcare visits.
How similar studies have gone: Mobile health apps have improved training and adherence in other rehabilitation areas, but walking-aid–specific app evidence is limited and this application is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * patient at a study site currently using walking aids \>75% of their ambulatory time * age 18-99 Exclusion Criteria: * currently using a wheelchair \>25% of their ambulatory time * cannot comfortably communicate in English or French * history of significant cognitive or visual impairment that would affect their ability to use the app interventions * unable to give voluntary informed consent
Where it's running
-
Foothills Medical Centre
Calgary, Alberta, Canada Recruiting -
Cirris
Québec, Quebec, Canada Completed
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ranita Manocha, MD, MSc — University of Calgary
- Study coordinator: Ranita Manocha, MD, MSc
- Email: ranita.manocha@ucalgary.ca
- Phone: 403-944-4224
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.