Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
More than one million Americans present with foot drop after stroke. As the aging population grows in the United States and across the world, incidence of stroke will grow as age is a key risk factor, thus there will be a need for low-cost, easy-to-use, and scalable solutions to administer proper therapy to promote recovery. This study will evaluate a Variable Friction shoe (VF shoe), a new low-cost medical device, for foot drop in an at-home setting.
The investigators propose an alternative strategy that addresses the hazard of tripping even while allowing full volitional control of the ankle: an inexpensive Variable Friction (VF) shoe. Its outsole is high-friction during the stance phase of gait and low friction during swing; further, it produces a "click" when a scuff occurs. The investigator's central hypothesis is that allowing volitional motion of the ankle while mitigating the hazard of tripping coupled with gait-phased auditory biofeedback will result in improved gait for subjects with drop foot. Specifically, the investigators hyp…
Inclusion Criteria: 1. At least 3 months poststroke 2. Age 18 or older 3. Possess a prescribed AFO or be a potential candidate for use of an AFO 4. Can ambulate at least 10m with or without an assistive device such as a cane or walker 5. Medically stable as determined by physician medical clearance 6. No expected change in medications for at least 3 months 7. Adequate stability at the ankle during stance 8. Ability to hear clicking noise made by the VF shoe 9. Physician approval 10. Ability to give informed consent 11. Able to sit unsupported and be able to follow a three-step command 12. No…
The experimental group (A) will be given a pair of VF shoes and instructed to use shoes on both feet. This group will be instructed to walk on hard surfaces to engage auditory feedback of the VF shoes. This group group will be monitored daily using actigraphy and will receive weekly check-up telephone calls by a member of the research team to record number of steps, walking time, a scale for self-identified effort and perceived safety levels.
The control group (B) will be provided an AFO to use on the paretic limb. This group will be instructed to walk on hard surfaces. This group group will be monitored daily using actigraphy and will receive weekly check-up telephone calls by a member of the research team to record number of steps, walking time, a scale for self-identified effort and perceived safety levels.
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