Exoskeleton for Parkinson's (NCT07567482)
Exoskeleton improves balance while walking
- Trial ID
- NCT07567482
- Official Title
- Exoskeleton-Assisted Mobility in Aging and in Parkinson's Disease: A Mixed-Methods Study of Effectiveness and Acceptability
- Goal
- Exoskeleton improves balance while walking
- Phase
- NA
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l'Outaouais
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Enrollment
- 26 participants
- Conditions
- Parkinson's Disease (PD), Healthy Aging
- Interventions
- Exoskeleton
Summary For Families
The goal is to find out whether a wearable robotic exoskeleton can make walking easier, less tiring, and safer for people with Parkinson's who struggle with gait, balance, or endurance as they age. Participants will wear a lower limb powered exoskeleton that senses steps and supplies targeted assistance to hip and knee movements, so it augments weakened muscles, stabilizes gait, and reduces the effort needed to walk; researchers will track walking speed, endurance, and users' experiences to judge effectiveness and acceptability. Eligible people with Parkinson's must have idiopathic PD, be able to walk at least 30 minutes, be Hoehn and Yahr stage 1 to 4, be age 50 or older, and have no severe vascular leg disease, implantable life-sustaining devices like pacemakers, severe osteoporosis or high fracture risk, major lower-limb injuries, or significant cognitive impairment (MoCA < 21). The study also includes healthy older adults aged 65 and up who can walk 30 minutes and meet the same safety and height requirements, since the device is not suitable for people under about 152 cm tall.
Locations
- TechCare Research Lab - CISSS de l'Outaouais, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying Exoskeleton. The goal is to find out whether a wearable robotic exoskeleton can make walking easier, less tiring, and safer for people with Parkinson's who struggle with gait, balance, or endurance as they age. Participants will wear a lower limb powered exoskeleton that senses steps and supplies targeted assistance to hip and knee movements, so it augments weakened muscles, stabilizes gait, and reduces the effort needed to walk; researchers will track walking speed, endurance, and users' experiences to judge effectiveness and acceptability. Eligible people with Parkinson's must have idiopathic PD, be able to walk at least 30 minutes, be Hoehn and Yahr stage 1 to 4, be age 50 or older, and have no severe vascular leg disease, implantable life-sustaining devices like pacemakers, severe osteoporosis or high fracture risk, major lower-limb injuries, or significant cognitive impairment (MoCA < 21). The study also includes healthy older adults aged 65 and up who can walk 30 minutes and meet the same safety and height requirements, since the device is not suitable for people under about 152 cm tall.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be at least 50 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 5 months.
- 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.
- 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.
- Will I get a placebo in this trial?
- Everyone in this trial receives the experimental treatment. There is no placebo group.
- How many visits does this trial involve?
- You must attend two laboratory sessions spaced at least two days and no more than four days apart.
- What procedures are involved in this trial?
- Based on the protocol, this trial involves: Wearable / at-home monitoring (non-invasive). Confirm the full schedule with the study coordinator.