Enhancing Voluntary Motion in Broad Patient Populations With Modular Powered Orthoses

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · Feb 14, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring the use of special powered devices called modular lower-limb orthoses, which are designed to help people with weakened joints move more easily. The goal is to see if these devices can improve lifting and lowering motions in healthy individuals and enhance mobility in older adults. Researchers believe that by providing support to the legs, these orthoses could make a positive difference in how well people can move.

To participate, young adults aged 18 to 65 who weigh under 250 pounds and can perform a specific lifting technique may be eligible. For older adults aged 65 to 85, those who can walk independently for six minutes without help can join as long as they also meet certain health criteria. Both groups will be assessed to ensure they don't have conditions that could interfere with the study. Participants can expect to receive support from the orthoses during activities and contribute to important research that may help many people with mobility challenges in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion criteria for able-bodied, young participants will be:
• • Aged between 18 to 65 years
• • Weigh less than 250 lbs due to limitations in the design of the orthoses
• • Ability to lift and lower a 10 kg weight using the neutral-spine squat technique for 10 repetitions
• Exclusion criteria for able-bodied, young adult participants will be:
• • Pregnant (self-report)
• • Any significant neuromuscular or musculoskeletal disorder that would interfere with the study
• • Prior history of chronic lower-back pain
• • Unable to walk for 20 minutes
• • History of any cardiovascular, vestibular, or visual diseases and/or impairments that may interfere with the study
• • Cognitive deficits that would impair their ability to give informed consent or impair their ability to follow simple instructions during the experiments. Cognitive deficits will be determined by a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of \<22.
• • Adults with a known allergy to medical grade tape
• Inclusion criteria for elderly participants will be:
• • Aged between 65 to 85 years
• • Weigh less than 250 lbs due to limitations in the design of the orthoses
• • Ability to walk 6 minutes without assistance from a person (may use walking aid)
• Exclusion criteria for elderly participants will be:
• • Pregnant (self-report)
• • Significant pain due to arthritis or other joint problems that would limit their ability to walk
• • Any recent lower-extremity fracture (within 3 months)
• • Significant neurological (e.g., stroke), orthopedic, or cardiovascular disorder that may affect the ability to walk
• • Advised by a physician not to walk or exercise
• • Uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes
• • Cognitive deficits or visual impairment that would impair their ability to give informed consent or impair their ability to follow simple instructions during the experiments. Cognitive deficits will be determined by a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of \<22.
• • Adults with a known allergy to medical grade tape