Foot Strengthening for Balance and Walking in Older Adults
This study is looking at whether different ways of strengthening your feet can improve balance, walking, and reduce falls in adults aged 45 to 85. Researchers will compare using minimalist footwear (shoes with low cushion and structure), a foot exercise program, or a special foot strengthening device called ToePro, against a group that doesn't receive any intervention. The main goal is to see if these methods increase foot strength and improve balance and walking over 8 weeks. You can join if you are a healthy adult between 45 and 85, can walk without help, and haven't had foot or ankle surgery. The current status of the study is unclear, and it plans to enroll 160 participants.
- Study design
- This is a randomized controlled trial, meaning participants will be randomly assigned to one of several groups. It plans to enroll 160 participants.
- What's involved
- You would complete two in-laboratory visits at the start and after 8 weeks. If assigned to an active intervention, you would follow specific instructions for 8 weeks.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- You will complete a follow-up questionnaire six months after the 8-week intervention period.
AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.
Foot Strengthening to Improve Balance and Gait in Older Adults
At a glance
Conditions
NCT07384754
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.
School of Public Health-Bloomington
Bloomington, Indianano site contact published
Recruiting
Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.
Study leadership
- Allison H. Gruber, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Indiana University, Bloomington
Who to contact
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Inclusion
Exclusion
What this trial measures
- Change From Baseline in Hallux Flexion Strength (Curl)From enrollment to the end of the intervention at 8 weeks
Change in maximal hallux (big toe) flexion strength assessed using a standardized hallux curl test (i.e., flexion at the metatarsal interphalangeal joints) with a dynamometer. Participants perform brief maximal voluntary contractions, and peak force output is recorded. Higher values indicate greater hallux curl strength.
- Change From Baseline in Lesser Toes Flexion Strength (Curl)From enrollment to the end of the intervention at 8 weeks
Change in maximal lesser toes flexion strength assessed using a standardized lesser toes curl test (i.e., flexion at the metatarsal interphalangeal joints) with a dynamometer. Participants perform brief maximal voluntary contractions, and peak force output is recorded. Higher values indicate greater lesser toes curl strength.
- Change From Baseline in Hallux Flexion Strength (Press)From enrollment to the end of the intervention at 8 weeks
Change in maximal hallux flexion strength assessed using a toe press test that isolates hallux flexion at the metatarsophalangeal joint. Strength is measured using a force-instrumented platform, with higher values indicating greater hallux press strength.
- Change From Baseline in Lesser Toe Flexion Strength (Press)From enrollment to the end of the intervention at 8 weeks
Change in maximal lesser toes flexion strength assessed using a toe press test that isolates flexion at the metatarsophalangeal joints. Strength is measured using a force-instrumented platform, with higher values indicating greater lesser toes press strength.
- Change From Baseline in Gait Kinetic VariablesFrom enrollment to the end of the intervention at 8 weeks
Change in gait kinetic variables derived from motion capture and force measurement systems during walking. Measures include ground reaction force variables such as peak vertical force. Values reflect loading patterns during gait.
- Change From Baseline in Joint Angles during GaitFrom enrollment to the end of the intervention at 8 weeks
Change in lower-limb and foot joint angles measured during walking using motion capture. Joint angles are calculated across the gait cycle and represent segmental motion of the foot and lower extremity.
- Change From Baseline in Joint Range of Motion During GaitFrom enrollment to the end of the intervention at 8 weeks
Change in joint range of motion (ROM) of the foot and lower extremity measured during walking using motion capture. ROM is calculated as the difference between maximum and minimum joint angles during the gait cycle.
- Change From Baseline in Stance Time During GaitFrom enrollment to the end of the intervention at 8 weeks
Change in stance time measured during walking using motion capture. Stance time represents the duration the foot remains in contact with the ground during each gait cycle.
- Change From Baseline in Step Length During GaitFrom enrollment to the end of the intervention at 8 weeks
Change in step length measured during walking using motion capture. Step length is defined as the anterior-posterior distance between successive foot contacts.
- Change From Baseline in Cadence During GaitFrom enrollment to the end of the intervention at 8 weeks
Change in walking cadence measured during gait analysis using motion capture. Cadence is expressed as steps per minute.
- Change From Baseline in Step Width During GaitFrom enrollment to the end of the intervention at 8 weeks
Change in step width measured during walking using motion capture. Step width reflects the mediolateral distance between foot placements and is used as an indicator of gait stability.
- Change From Baseline in 6-Minute Walk Test DistanceFrom enrollment to the end of the intervention at 8 weeks
Change in distance walked during the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), measured in meters. Greater distance indicates better functional walking capacity.
- Change From Baseline in 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test PerformanceFrom enrollment to the end of the intervention at 8 weeks
Change in functional lower-extremity performance assessed using the 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test. Outcomes include the total number of completed sit-to-stand repetitions, with higher values indicating better performance.
- Change From Baseline in 4-Stage Balance Test PerformanceFrom enrollment to the end of the intervention at 8 weeks
Change in standing balance performance assessed using the 4-Stage Balance Test. Outcomes include the ability to successfully complete progressively challenging standing positions for the required duration.
- Change From Baseline in Single-Leg Heel-Raise Test PerformanceFrom enrollment to the end of the intervention at 8 weeks
Change in plantar flexor endurance assessed using the single-leg heel-raise test. Outcomes include the number of consecutive heel raises completed with proper form, with higher values indicating greater muscular endurance.