Clinical Trial for Variable Friction Shoe in Stroke Patients

This study is testing a new device called the Variable Friction (VF) shoe for people who experience foot drop after a stroke. Foot drop makes it hard to lift the front of your foot, which can lead to tripping. The VF shoe is designed to make walking easier and safer by changing how much friction it has with the ground during different parts of your step. It also makes a "click" sound if your foot scuffs. We want to see if the VF shoe works better than a common ankle brace called an Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) in improving walking speed. You might be able to join if you are at least 18 years old, had a stroke at least 3 months ago, and can walk at least 10 meters with or without help. We plan to enroll 50 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study comparing two groups: one using the Variable Friction Shoe and one using an Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO). The study aims to enroll 50 participants.
What's involved
Participants will use their assigned device daily and be monitored with an activity tracker. They will also receive weekly check-up phone calls.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Walking speed will be measured at 26 weeks.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06234124

Characterization and Clinical Trial of a Variable Friction Shoe

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
~50 participants
Updated 2026-05-11 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Variable Friction Shoe TrainingAnkle Foot Orthosis (AFO) Training

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Walking Speed (Device Off)
Measured over 26 weeks
Stroke

NCT06234124

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

    Chicago, Illinoisstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

  • Arun H Jayaraman, DPT, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

  • Walking Speed (Device Off)26 weeks

    10 meter walk test (meters/second)