Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
The Effects of Heel Distraction Height on Foot Loading With Carbon Fiber Custom Dynamic Orthoses
Sponsor: University of Iowa
Summary
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.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
20
Start Date
2024-08-16
Completion Date
2026-06-01
Last Updated
2026-01-15
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Carbon Fiber Custom Dynamic Orthosis (CDO)
The carbon fiber custom dynamic orthoses (CDOs) used in this study will consist of a semi-rigid carbon fiber footplate, a carbon fiber posterior strut, and a proximal cuff that wraps around the leg below the knee. The CDO will be modular in design which will allow three carbon fiber struts of the same stiffness and differing lengths to be used to implement 0cm, 1cm, and 2cm levels of heel distraction height. A longer posterior strut will move the carbon fiber footplate away from the participants foot to create the heel distraction height.
Locations (1)
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa, United States