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Clinical Trials Stage of 'SoleSensor': A Balance-Enhancing Shoe Insert.

NCT00151359 · Status: COMPLETED · Type: OBSERVATIONAL

Last updated 2005-09-08

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Our research has shown that pressure sensation from the soles of the feet (plantar mechanoreceptors) plays an important role in controlling several key aspects of balancing reactions, particularly during compensatory stepping . As a result, age-related loss of plantar pressure sensation, which is very common, can lead to impaired control of these reactions. However, we have shown that it is possible to compensate for balance impairments resulting from this loss of sensation by using special footwear insoles to facilitate sensation from the perimeter of the sole. To date, we have demonstrated the feasibility of this approach in laboratory studies, and we have obtained a U.S. patent for the design concept. However, it remains to be determined whether the benefits of the footwear persist over the long term, or whether there is a habituation of the effect. Also, we need to determine whether there are any practical problems associated with wearing such footwear, e.g. due to discomfort or irritation of the skin.

Conditions

  • Sensation Disorder

Interventions

DEVICE

SoleSensor

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

    collaborator OTHER

  • Wilfrid Laurier University

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Stephen D Perry, PhD · Wilfrid Laurier University

  • Brian E Maki, PhD · Centre for Studies In Aging, Sunnybrook & Women's

  • Geoff R Fernie, PhD · Centre for Studies In Aging, Sunnybrook & Women's

Eligibility

Min Age
65 Years
Max Age
75 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2002-02-28

Countries

  • Canada

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT00151359 on ClinicalTrials.gov