Using walking sticks to increase walking in people with forward spinal imbalance
Interest of Walking Sticks to Increase Walking Activity of People With Sagittal Imbalance of Spine: a Comparative Exploratory Study (Before-after) Using Mixed Methodology.
This study will try using walking sticks to help adults with forward (sagittal) spinal imbalance walk farther and with better stability.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 35 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Paris) |
| Trial ID | NCT07127250 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a pilot interventional study that gives walking sticks to people aged 50 and older who have a sagittal vertical axis (C7-S1) greater than 5 cm and self-reported walking difficulties. Participants who can walk at least 10 minutes or 400 meters and who meet other criteria will be taught to use a cane and followed to measure changes in walking distance (walking perimeter) and dynamic stability. The protocol excludes current cane users, people with fixed spinal deformities, severe lower-limb osteoarthritis, neurologic or vestibular conditions, or significant cognitive or upper-limb impairments. The single-center study is conducted at Hôpital Cochin (Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris) with objective gait and functional walking outcomes collected over the study period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 50 or older living at home with sagittal vertical axis >5 cm, able to walk 10 minutes or 400 meters unaided, able to transfer independently, not currently using a cane, and able to speak, read, and consent in French.
Not a fit: People with fixed spinal deformities, advanced symptomatic lower-limb osteoarthritis, recent spinal bracing, neurologic or vestibular disorders, significant cognitive or upper-limb impairments, or who already use a walking stick are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, using walking sticks could increase walking distance and dynamic stability and possibly reduce fall risk while preserving a more natural gait pattern.
How similar studies have performed: While rollators and other walking aids have been studied and can change posture, the specific use of walking sticks to preserve sagittal alignment and increase walking activity in this population appears to be novel and untested in prior published studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult ≥ 50 years * VAS (Sagittal Vertical Axis, C7-S1, EoS (clinical follow-up)) \> 5cm * Able to do transfers alone * Able to walk 10 minutes or 400 meters in a row * Self-reported Walking difficulties * Person living at home * Person willing and consenting to participate in the study * Health insurance Exclusion Criteria: * Current use of walking sticks * Advanced and symptomatic osteoarthritis of the lower limbs * Static disorder of the fixed spine * Introduction of a straightening brace in the 3 months preceding the start of the study * Static disorder explained by infectious, tumoral, congenital or neurodegenerative pathologies * Uncompensated lower-limb length inequality (\> 2cm) * Lower limb motor deficit * Upper limb pathology preventing cane use * Proprioceptive or vestibular pathology * Inability to write, speak or read French * Cognitive and/or behavioral disorders * Participation in other research on spinal balance and/or gait, or that could influence these factors during the study period * People under tutorship or curatorship * Free state medical assistance
Where this trial is running
Paris
- Service de rééducation et de réadaptation de l'appareil locomoteur et des pathologies du rachis.Hôpital Cochin — Paris, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rémy FLECHON — Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris
- Study coordinator: Rémy FLECHON
- Email: remy.flechon@aphp.fr
- Phone: 01.58.41.41.41 Poste 18608
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.