Can a tiny heel lift in a brace ease foot pain? new study aims to find out.
NCT ID NCT06127316
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at how changing the heel distraction height (the gap between the heel and the footplate) in a carbon fiber custom dynamic orthosis (CDO) affects foot loading, pain, and comfort during walking. Twenty adults with traumatic hindfoot injuries will walk with and without the brace at three different heel heights. Researchers will measure forces under the foot and ask about pain and comfort to find the best setup.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Carbon fiber custom dynamic orthosis (CDO) with adjustable heel distraction height
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help design better orthoses that reduce pain and improve comfort during walking for people with foot injuries.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 20 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It focuses on short-term walking tests, not long-term outcomes.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for TRAUMATIC LOWER LIMB INJURY are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University of Iowa
RECRUITINGIowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States