Comparing blood flow effects of a cast versus an orthosis on lower limbs

The Effects of Different Types of Ankle Immobilisation in the Micro- and Macrocirculation

NA · Karolinska University Hospital · NCT03420664

This study is testing how wearing a cast or an orthosis affects blood flow in the lower legs of healthy people.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorKarolinska University Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Stockholm)
Trial IDNCT03420664 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates how lower limb immobilization affects blood flow by comparing the use of a cast and an orthosis in healthy individuals. Participants will undergo blood flow measurements in the right popliteal vein before and after the application of either a cast or an orthosis, using Duplex Ultrasound. The study aims to determine the impact of immobilization methods on microcirculation and tissue oxygen saturation in the lower limbs. The orthosis used allows for controlled ankle movement while bearing weight, providing a unique approach to assessing circulation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy individuals without any significant cardiovascular or renal issues.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cardiovascular or renal diseases, previous lower limb surgeries affecting vascular or lymphatic systems, or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management strategies for preventing venous stasis and deep venous thrombosis in patients requiring lower limb immobilization.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on immobilization and blood flow, this specific comparison of cast versus orthosis in a controlled setting is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy individuals

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe cardiovascular or renal disease causing pitting oedema
* Previous operation in the lower limbs affecting the vascular or lymphatic system
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Stockholm

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Venous Stasis, Deep Venous Thrombosis, cast, orthosis, immobilisation, venous stasis, circulation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.