Individuals with hemiplegia commonly demonstrate gait deviations such as difficulties with heel strike at initial contact, foot drop in swing, asymmetrical limb loading, muscle activation, and balance impairments. This study evaluates whether a therapeutic device (Motus Nova Foot; FDA approved) used in the home setting can increase heel strike, decrease limp, improve foot clearance in swing phase, improve quality of active muscle contraction of the affected limb, and improve balance. The Motus Nova Foot moves the ankle/foot and uses guided computer/video activities to encourage active participation while automatically recording device use and duration.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
5
Motus Nova Foot device used in home therapy to improve gait for individuals with hemiplegia.
Mary Bridge Children's Therapy Research & Movement Lab
Puyallup, Washington, United States
Heel strike
Heel strike: number of heel strikes on 10 meter walkway at initial contact during walking - whether the participant makes heel-first contact at the beginning of stance. Collected with 3D motion capture (analyzing kinematics).
Time frame: 4 months
Ankle dorsiflexion
Ankle dorsiflexion during swing phase - average angle in degrees of dorsiflexion achieved while the foot is off the ground during gait on 10 meter walkway. Collected with 3D motion capture (analyzing kinematics).
Time frame: 4 months
Gait symmetry
Gait symmetry / Limp - average angle in degrees of asymmetry or "limp" during walking on 10 meter pathway. Collected with 3D motion capture (analyzing kinematics).
Time frame: 4 months
sEMG activation
Lower-extremity muscle activation patterns during gait (sEMG) on 10 m walkway - timing and amplitude characteristics of muscle activity will be measured in mV. Collected with kinesiologic surface electromyograph (sEMG) during 3D motion capture.
Time frame: 4 months
Balance performance
Balance performance - double- and single-leg stance measures (eyes open/closed and weaker vs. stronger limb), measured in distance of center of pressure under foot (mm). Collected via embedded force plates.
Time frame: 4 months
Change across time points
Describe change trajectories across baseline, midpoint, and final timepoints. Data collected via 3D motion capture, electromyography, force plates will be compared.
Time frame: 4 months
Carryover/retention
Explore carryover/retention of gains on primary outcome measures, after stopping device use. Data collected via 3D motion capture, electromyography, force plates will be compared.
Time frame: 4 months
Device adherence
Describe adherence using device-recorded usage data (mins/day) and explore association with outcomes.
Time frame: 4 months
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