New app aims to prevent falls in walking aid users

NCT ID NCT05347875

Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Calgary Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests a smartphone app called ICanWALK that teaches people how to properly fit and use walking aids like crutches, canes, and walkers. Researchers will compare it to a breathing app in 52 adults with lower limb injuries or conditions like stroke or multiple sclerosis. The goal is to see if the app improves balance confidence, mobility, and reduces falls.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: ICanWALK app (walking aid skills training app)
What this could lead to: If it works, this app could help people use crutches, canes, or walkers more safely, reducing falls and improving confidence.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 52 participants. The app may not lead to meaningful improvements, and results may not apply to everyone.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Not a phased trial

Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.

Participants

About 52 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Started

Jun 2024

Expected to finish

Jun 2026

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

18 to 99 years

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * patient at a study site currently using walking aids \>75% of their ambulatory time * age 18-99 Exclusion Criteria: * currently using a wheelchair \>25% of their ambulatory time * cannot comfortably communicate in English or French * history of significant cognitive or visual impairment that would affect their ability to use the app interventions * unable to give voluntary informed consent

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

multiple sclerosis Sprains and Strains stroke disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Lower limb fracture Lower limb; sprain (strain) Multiple sclerosis Stroke

How to take part

Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.

The places running it

1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
The official record

ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.

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A doctor treating you

A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.

New app aims to prevent falls in walking aid users

What the study statuses mean