TIPTOE: Predicting Treatment Success in Idiopathic Toe Walkers
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Predicting Long-Term Success and Identifying Optimal Treatment Strategies for Idiopathic Toe Walking
IRAS ID
354436
Contact name
Alpesh Kothari
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford / Research Governance, Ethics and Assurance
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Background and Purpose
Idiopathic toe walking (ITW) is when children continue to walk on their toes beyond the age of three without an identifiable medical cause. While some grow out of it naturally, others continue toe walking, which may lead to issues such as pain, poor balance, and difficulty with physical activity. Up to 5% of children may be affected. There is currently no consistent approach across the NHS for managing ITW. Treatments include physiotherapy, orthotics, casting, or surgery, but their long-term success is unclear.This study aims to understand which treatments lead to better long-term outcomes and what factors predict success or recurrence after treatment. The results will help guide clinical decisions and improve NHS care for children with ITW.
Who Can Take Part and What’s Involved
The study involves children who have been diagnosed with ITW, and received treatment or are being referred for treatment between age 5-16, along with their parent or legal guardian. There are two groups:A retrospective group: children who have already received treatment.
A prospective group: children newly referred for care, who will be followed for 12 months.
Parents/carers will complete online questionnaires about their child’s health and experience, and children will also be invited to complete age-appropriate questions. With consent, the study team will review relevant medical records to understand past treatment and outcomes.
Where the Study Takes Place
The study is based at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and is supported by the University of Oxford. Data will be stored securely in compliance with data protection laws. The study does not involve any new treatments or clinical procedures.REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/WM/0184
Date of REC Opinion
20 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion