Improve walking mobility using exoskeleton
- Trial ID
- NCT06028529
- Official Title
- Feasibility and Safety of a Portable Exoskeleton to Improve Mobility in Parkinson's Disease
- Goal
- Improve walking mobility using exoskeleton
- Phase
- NA
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- VA Office of Research and Development
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Enrollment
- 30 participants
- Conditions
- Parkinson's Disease
- Interventions
- Exoskeleton
Summary For Families
Goal: to see if a portable robotic exoskeleton can be worn safely and help people with Parkinson's improve walking, balance, and overall mobility. Approach: participants wear a wearable device (Keeogo) that actively assists hip and knee flexion and extension during walking, reducing effort and stabilizing steps, and it augments movement without changing Parkinson's medications like levodopa. Eligibility: veterans aged 18 to 90 with Parkinson's confirmed by a PADRECC specialist, modified Hoehn and Yahr stage II to V, who can attend visits at the Richmond VA and pass basic strength and walking screens. Key exclusions include severe heart or lung disease, significant dementia (MoCA under 17), very low bone density, lower limb amputation, certain implants, or body size outside 5'1",6'3" and over 250 pounds.
Locations
- Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA, Richmond, Virginia, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying Exoskeleton. Goal: to see if a portable robotic exoskeleton can be worn safely and help people with Parkinson's improve walking, balance, and overall mobility. Approach: participants wear a wearable device (Keeogo) that actively assists hip and knee flexion and extension during walking, reducing effort and stabilizing steps, and it augments movement without changing Parkinson's medications like levodopa. Eligibility: veterans aged 18 to 90 with Parkinson's confirmed by a PADRECC specialist, modified Hoehn and Yahr stage II to V, who can attend visits at the Richmond VA and pass basic strength and walking screens. Key exclusions include severe heart or lung disease, significant dementia (MoCA under 17), very low bone density, lower limb amputation, certain implants, or body size outside 5'1",6'3" and over 250 pounds.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be between 18 Years and 90 Years.
- Where is this trial located?
- This trial is recruiting at 1 location.
- Does it cost anything to join?
- No. There is no cost to participate. Study-related care and treatment are provided at no charge.
- How long does the trial last?
- This trial is estimated to last approximately 2 years.
- Will I get the real drug or a placebo?
- It depends on the trial design. Some Parkinson's trials are placebo controlled, meaning a portion of participants get an inactive comparison while others get the experimental treatment. Some use crossover designs so everyone eventually receives the active treatment at some point. Observational trials do not use a placebo at all because they are not testing a new treatment. The consent form for any specific trial spells out the design and your odds of being assigned to placebo before you enroll.
- How often will I need to visit the study site?
- Visit frequency varies by trial. Many Parkinson's studies require an in person visit every 4 to 12 weeks during the active treatment phase, with shorter or longer gaps depending on the design. The site coordinator can give you the full visit schedule before you sign anything, so you know what the time commitment looks like.
- Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?
- Yes. You can withdraw from any clinical trial at any time, for any reason, without affecting your standard medical care. Trials are voluntary by law. The team may ask if you are willing to do a brief exit visit so they can collect safety information, but you are not obligated.
- Will travel or parking be reimbursed?
- Many trials reimburse for parking, mileage, and sometimes lodging if the site is far from your home. Reimbursement policies vary by sponsor and site. When you contact the trial team, ask specifically what is covered and how reimbursement is processed.
- Can my spouse or care partner come with me to visits?
- In most cases yes, and it is often encouraged. Care partners can help with notes, questions, and getting home safely after a long visit. Some study assessments do need to happen one on one, but care partners are usually welcome for the rest of the appointment.