How foot braces might help people with ataxia walk better
Official title: Prospective Evaluation of Functional Performance in Patients With Lower Limb Orthoses
Run by University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT07720700 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether wearing foot orthoses at home can improve gait and balance for adults with cerebellar ataxia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dallas, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 21, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07720700 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults (18+) with physician-diagnosed cerebellar ataxia who can walk 16 feet with or without assistance and without assistive devices.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants with gait velocity above 100 cm/sec without assistive devices or those with unhealed foot wounds or orthopedic conditions affecting walking may be less likely to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional trial will assign participants with cerebellar ataxia to wear lower-extremity foot orthoses at home and monitor effects on walking pattern and balance. It is described as the first randomized controlled trial to formalize how orthoses influence mobility in this population, which may have unique joint movement and proprioception challenges. Prior work has suggested potential benefits of orthoses for stability and gait in other neurologic conditions, but systematic testing in ataxia is limited. The study focuses on practical, home-based wear to assess real-world feasibility and impact. Outcome measures will help inform clinical guidelines and orthotic prescription decisions for cerebellar ataxia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could support more effective, personalized use of foot orthoses to improve mobility and safety for people with ataxia.
How similar studies have gone: There is limited prior randomized evidence in ataxia; some data from other neurologic conditions suggest orthoses can help balance and gait, but this trial is among the first in cerebellar ataxia.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Cerebellar ataxia diagnosed by a physician * Ambulatory for 16 feet (Zeno mat) with assistance and without assistive device(s) * 18 years or older Exclusion Criteria: * Gait velocity \>/= 100 cm/sec without an assistive device * Medically diagnosed orthopedic conditions or injuries that impact ambulation * Unhealed wounds on the feet
Where it's running
-
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Staci M Shearin, PT, PhD
- Email: staci.shearin@utsouthwestern.edu
- Phone: 214-648-6564
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Registry and natural history of epilepsy-dyskinesia syndromes
This registry will collect health data and biological samples from people of all ages who have a genetic diagnosis of epilepsy-dyskinesia syndromes to see how their genes relate to their movement and seizure symptoms over time.
-
Registry and biobank for neuroimmunological diseases
This study is trying to see if certain antibodies in the brain are linked to neurological disorders like encephalopathy and psychosis, and how they might affect patients' health.
-
Home-based training for improving gait and balance in movement disorders
This study is testing whether a three-week home training program can help people with movement disorders like ataxia and Parkinson's improve their balance and walking.
-
Understanding epilepsy-dyskinesia syndromes in children
This study is trying to learn more about epilepsy-dyskinesia syndromes in children by gathering information from different countries to see how these movement and seizure disorders are related.
-
Cerebellar tACS plus iTBS combined with exercise for ataxia balance
This test will see if combining cerebellar tACS and iTBS with guided exergaming improves balance in people with ataxia.
-
Home exercise program for people with neurodegenerative diseases
This study is testing a home exercise program to see if it can help people with neurodegenerative diseases improve their walking and balance.
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.