Walking Sensation Study

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · May 7, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Walking Control Study is a research trial that aims to find out if a special device called Walkasins can help older adults with foot sensory issues walk better. This device is designed to enhance the feeling in the legs, which may make walking easier and require less mental effort for those who have trouble sensing their feet. Researchers believe that by improving sensory feedback, participants will be able to walk more automatically and with less variation in their walking patterns.

To participate in this study, individuals must be between the ages of 65 and 95 and have specific criteria, such as having a slow walking speed and some difficulty feeling their feet. They should not have serious health conditions like severe heart disease or neurological disorders. Participants will wear the Walkasins device during walking tasks and will be assessed on their performance. This study is not yet recruiting, but it is an important step in understanding how to help older adults improve their mobility and independence.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Not having any significant existing medical conditions, historical health issues, or medications (outlined in the exclusion criteria table above) that could impede the execution of the walking task and assessment.
• • age 65 - 95.
• • no severe high blood pressure (systolic \< 180 mmHg and/or diastolic \< 100 mmHg at rest).
• • no severe vision impairment: visual acuity ≥ 20/70 as determined by Snellen eye chart.
• • slow walking speed: preferred walking speed slower than 1.0 m/s over 10 meter.
• • no cognitive impairment: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥ 26 out of 30 possible points.
• • foot sensory impairment: Inability to feel the 10 g monofilament at ≥1 of 10 tested sites on either foot is considered a sign of impaired protective sensation. loss.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • diagnosed neurological disorder or injury of the central nervous system, or observation of symptoms consistent with such a condition (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, etc.)
• • severe arthritis, such as awaiting joint replacement
• • current cardiovascular, lung or renal disease; untreated diabetes; terminal illness
• • myocardial infarction or major heart surgery in the previous year
• • cancer treatment in the past year, except for nonmelanoma skin cancers and cancers having an excellent prognosis (e.g., early stage breast or prostate cancer)
• • current diagnosis of schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, or bipolar disorder
• • currently taking medications that affect the central nervous system, such as benzodiazepines, anti-cholinergic medication, and GABAergic medication, among others
• • no severe vision impairment (visual acuity ≥ 20/70 as determined by Snellen eye chart)
• • uncontrolled hypertension at rest (systolic \> 180 mmHg and/or diastolic \> 100 mmHg)
• • bone fracture or joint replacement in the previous six months
• • current enrollment in any other clinical trial
• • planning to relocate out of the area during the study period
• • non-English\* speaking, due to the likelihood of difficulties following instructions and communicating remotely
• • clinical judgment of the investigative team