Achieving Meaningful Clinical Benchmarks With Ekso Gait Training During Acute Stroke Inpatient Rehabilitation.

Launched by SUNNYVIEW REHABILITATION HOSPITAL · Feb 4, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the use of a wearable robot called the Ekso exoskeleton to help patients with stroke regain their ability to walk during their rehabilitation. The trial aims to see if using the Ekso leads to quicker improvements in balance, walking speed, and overall independence compared to traditional rehabilitation methods. Researchers believe that patients who use the Ekso may take more steps and recover faster during their hospital stay, which can help them become more mobile in their daily lives and reduce their chance of falling.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be over 18 years old, currently receiving inpatient rehabilitation at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, and have had a stroke affecting one side of their body. Those with certain conditions, like severe paralysis or specific injuries, cannot participate. If chosen for the trial, participants will either receive Ekso training or standard care, and their progress will be measured using simple tests to assess their balance and walking abilities. This study is important because it could provide valuable information about improving stroke recovery and enhancing patients’ quality of life.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Inpatient at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital
• • Right or left hemispheric stroke
• • \>18 years of age
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • No paresis
• • Paraplegia
• • Quadriplegia
• • FAC of 2,3 or 4
• • Weight \> 220 lbs (Ekso manufacturer criteria)
• • Height \> 6'4" (Ekso manufacturer criteria)
• • \> 3 months post stroke onset
• • Comorbidities affecting gait (LE fractures, Parkinson's, Severe Polyneuropathy)
• • LE/sacral wounds that come into contact with the Ekso
• • LE contractures that cannot be accommodated by Ekso
• • Prior Stroke
• • Weight Bearing Restrictions 8
• • Unable to follow 1-2 step commands.
• • Contact precautions for COVID-19