The Effects of Heel Distraction Height on Foot Loading With Carbon Fiber Custom Dynamic Orthoses

Description

Carbon fiber custom dynamic orthoses (CDOs) and unloading ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) have shown varying levels of success in reducing forces acting on different regions of the bottom of the foot during gait. CDOs and unloading AFOs have shown differing offloading capabilities across different regions of the foots (hindfoot, midfoot, forefoot) which may be related to a distinct difference between CDOs and unloading AFOs: CDOs do not suspend, or distract, the foot away from the footplate. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of CDOs and heel distraction height (the distance between the heel and the footplate) on limb loading and motion during gait as well as patient reported pain, and comfort.

Conditions

Traumatic Lower Limb Injury

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

Carbon fiber custom dynamic orthoses (CDOs) and unloading ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) have shown varying levels of success in reducing forces acting on different regions of the bottom of the foot during gait. CDOs and unloading AFOs have shown differing offloading capabilities across different regions of the foots (hindfoot, midfoot, forefoot) which may be related to a distinct difference between CDOs and unloading AFOs: CDOs do not suspend, or distract, the foot away from the footplate. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of CDOs and heel distraction height (the distance between the heel and the footplate) on limb loading and motion during gait as well as patient reported pain, and comfort.

The Effects of Heel Distraction Height on Foot Loading With Carbon Fiber Custom Dynamic Orthoses

The Effects of Heel Distraction Height on Foot Loading With Carbon Fiber Custom Dynamic Orthoses

Condition
Traumatic Lower Limb Injury
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Iowa City

University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States, 52242

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 1. Ages 18-65 years
  • 2. Traumatic hindfoot injury (soft tissue injury or fracture affecting the hindfoot or ankle)
  • 3. Mechanical pain with limb loading (\>=4/10 on Numerical Pain Rating Scale)
  • 4. Ability to walk 50 feet at a slow to moderate pace
  • 5. Ability to walk without a cane or crutch
  • 6. Ability to read and write in English and provide written informed consent
  • 1. Diagnosis with a moderate or severe brain injury
  • 2. Diagnosis with a physical or psychological condition that would preclude functional testing (e.g., cardiac condition, clotting disorder, pulmonary condition, etc.
  • 3. Ankle weakness resulting from spinal cord injury or central nervous system pathology
  • 4. Nerve, muscle, bone, or other condition limiting function in the contralateral extremity
  • 5. Rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis
  • 6. Necrosis of any bones in the foot or ankle
  • 7. Pain of 8/10 or greater during walking
  • 8. Uncorrected visual or hearing impairments
  • 9. Require use of a knee stabilizing device to perform daily activities (i.e., Knee ankle foot orthosis, knee orthosis, etc.)
  • 10. Pregnancy
  • 11. Body mass index greater than 40 kg/m2

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Iowa,

Jason M Wilken, PT,PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Iowa

Study Record Dates

2025-09-01