Step forward with the AMBLE study
About Foot Drop from Stroke
Foot drop, or ankle weakness, is a condition where there is difficulty lifting the front part of the foot when walking. The foot drop weakness can be seen as ‘dorsiflexion’ weakness. Dorsiflexion movement is the action of lifting your toes up, similar to lifting the foot off of a gas pedal or brake.
For those who have had stroke, foot drop can be a common symptom. Foot drop can often look like dragging or shuffling the foot when moving. Foot drop can cause slow walking, frustration, fatigue, pain, and can cause falling which can lead to other concerns.
Traditional treatment for foot drop is typically using ankle braces. While these braces can reduce the risk of falls due to foot drop, they inhibit the use of the ankle which can over time decrease ankle strength. The AMBLE study aims to discover a new therapy through the use of a new robotic device so braces will no longer be needed by stroke patients.
About AMBLE
The AMBLE study is looking for individuals who have suffered a recent stroke and have foot drop, to participate in a study that compares the effectiveness of physical therapy while wearing a portable ankle robot to physical therapy without wearing the ankle robot.
The portable ankle robot is to be worn over the shoe and is meant to be worn during physical therapy sessions. The robot will be fitted and secured to the foot drop affected lower leg using a knee brace and over the shoe crampons. This device will only be worn at the clinic during physical therapy sessions and will not be taken home.
If you’re interested in enrolling in a research study for foot drop from stroke, consider participating in the AMBLE study. You may be eligible to participate if you:
- Are 18 years old or older
- Had a stroke at least 6 weeks ago
- Are struggling with foot drop (ankle weakness, difficulty lifting the upper part of the foot)
There are additional study requirements to participate. Upon study completion, time and travel will be compensated for eligible patients in the form of $10 per study visit.
This is to be dispersed once study participation is completed.
Participation Overview
Up to 140 participants will be participating in the AMBLE study – some participants will be asked to undergo physical therapy using an ankle robot while other participants will be asked to undergo physical therapy without using the ankle robot. This will be determined entirely upon chance, similar to flipping a coin. Participants will have an equal chance of wearing, or not wearing, the portable ankle robot.
All participants who are eligible and successfully enroll in this study will be asked to participate in the study for a up to 15 weeks, including screening periods. Individuals who are enrolled will be asked to attend outpatient physical therapy for stroke rehab for about 9 weeks with 2 sessions per week (18 total physical therapy sessions).
Participants will be asked to undergo several tests at three different times: before physical therapy, after the 9 weeks of physical therapy, and 3 months after completion of physical therapy. Tests can include usual wellness exams, walking tests, balance tests, and treadmill tests.
Refer a Friend
Do you know someone between the age 18 or older who has drop foot caused by stroke? They may be eligible to participate in the AMBLE study. Consider sharing information with them about how they can learn more.
Share With Your Doctor
Do you think the AMBLE study is a right fit for you? Please feel free to share information about the AMBLE study with your doctor.
