The proposed study evaluates the effects of a hands free crutch (iWalkFree, Inc.) on walking balance and stability compared to standard crutches. It is expected that the hands free crutch will provide better stability during walking on a level surface and better reported balance confidence compared to standard crutches. In this study, walking stability will be assessed using motion capture data from an infrared camera system with 12 mounted cameras surrounding a level walkway. Balance will be assessed through a self-reported activity-specific balance confidence (ABC) questionnaire. An improved understanding of the effects of the hands free crutch on gait may benefit the future prescription of ambulatory assistive devices. The proposed study may provide insight that can be used by physical therapists and other providers to select the ambulatory assistive device that best meets their patients' needs.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 45 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Male or Female
* Ages: 18 - 45
* Height between 5'2" and 6'6"
* Foot size that corresponds to available walking boots
* Healthy individuals without current complaint of lower extremity pain, spine pain, open wounds or active infection
* Full active pain free range of motion of the bilateral upper and lower extremities and spine
* Able to hop without pain
* Able to perform a full squat without pain
* Able to walk up and down a flight of stairs at normal walking speed without using the hand rail
* Able to stand on one leg for at least 30 seconds
* Able to read and write in English and provide written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Weight greater than 270 lbs
* BMI greater than 35
* Maximum thigh circumference at top of the leg greater than 28"
* Prior medical or neuromusculoskeletal disorders that have limited their participation in work or exercise in the last 6 months
* Prior lower extremity injury proximal to the ankle requiring surgery or limiting function for greater than 6 weeks
* Prior back pain that recurs or has limited activities for greater than 6 weeks
* Diagnosed moderate or severe brain injury
* Diagnosis of a physical or psychological condition that would preclude testing (e.g. cardiac condition, clotting disorder, pulmonary condition)
* Uncorrected visual or hearing impairment(s)
* Require use of an assistive device
* Pregnancy - Per participant self-report. Due to the expected small number of pregnant individuals, and resulting …
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Whole Body Angular Momentum-sagittal Plane
Timeframe: one session (up to 2 hours long), out of 4 total sessions