Seated Ankle Robot for Foot Drop in Aging and Disabled Populations: A Demonstration Project

Launched by BALTIMORE VA MEDICAL CENTER · May 8, 2018

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a special device called an ankle robot to help people who have weakness in their ankles and difficulty lifting their feet, a condition known as foot drop. This often happens due to injuries affecting the nerves in the legs. The study aims to see how effective this robot can be in improving mobility for individuals who have these issues, especially in older adults or those with disabilities.

To participate in this study, you need to be between 18 and 88 years old and have a chronic foot drop in one leg due to a nerve injury. You should also be able to walk a short distance of 10 meters and get up from a chair without help, though you can use tools like a walker if needed. The trial is not yet recruiting participants, but if you are eligible and join, you can expect to use the ankle robot in a safe, seated setting to help improve your walking ability. It’s important to note that individuals with certain health conditions, like active leg infections or participating in other rehabilitation programs, may not be able to take part in this trial.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Men and women, aged 18 to 88 years
• • 2. Chronic foot drop and ankle weakness in one leg from a peripheral nervous system injury due to a neuromuscular or orthopedic injury
• • 3. Ability to walk 10 meters and arise from a chair with no human assistance (but usage of usual assistive device\[s\] is permitted)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Medical history that would preclude participation in low-intensity seated robotic-assisted rehabilitation
• • 2. Current participation in orthopedic or rehabilitation medical programs
• • 3. Active deep venous thrombosis
• • 4. Distal paretic leg skin lesions, infections, or soft tissue inflammation