Comparing walking support options for children with foot drop
Comparison of Gait in Different Support Conditions for Foot Drop
This study tests which walking support option—like a lycra sock, a rigid brace, or a splint—works best for kids and teens with foot drop to help them walk better and stay active.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 4 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Portsmouth Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Portsmouth, Hampshire) |
| Trial ID | NCT05587010 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study evaluates the effectiveness of different support devices for children and adolescents aged 4 to 17 with moderate foot drop. It aims to compare the use of a lycra sock, a rigid Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO), and an OrthPed splint to determine which provides the best support while minimizing muscle weakness. The study will assess the gait of participants under various support conditions to identify the most beneficial option for maintaining mobility and independence. By focusing on this common complication, the research seeks to improve quality of life for affected individuals.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and adolescents aged 4 to 17 with diagnosed moderate unilateral or bilateral foot drop who can walk independently.
Not a fit: Patients with severe foot drop requiring higher levels of support than an elastic splint or those unable to walk independently will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved mobility and independence for children with foot drop by identifying the most effective support device.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on foot drop interventions, this specific comparison of support devices in children is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 4 - 17 years old * Diagnosed moderate unilateral or bilateral foot drop * Able to walk independently * Minimum of 5 degrees of ankle dorsiflexion with or without gravity (Oxford Scale 2-4, Clarkson (2010)) Exclusion Criteria: * Younger than 4 or older than 17 years old * Severe foot drop that requires higher levels of support than elastic splint * Unable to walk independently * Visual impairment when corrected to not be able to see targets when walking * Unable to understand and or cooperate with study protocol * Health contraindications to exercise e.g. cardiac disease
Where this trial is running
Portsmouth, Hampshire
- University of Portsmouth — Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.