Adaptive Hip Exoskeleton for Stroke Gait Enhancement

Launched by GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · Sep 8, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new robotic device called an exoskeleton, which helps people who have had a stroke improve their walking ability. The researchers want to see if using this advanced technology makes a difference in how well participants can walk compared to not using it. Participants in the study will walk on a special treadmill while wearing the exoskeleton, allowing the researchers to compare their performance and understand the benefits of this device.

To be eligible for the study, participants need to be between 18 and 85 years old and must have had a stroke at least six months before joining. They should be able to walk independently, meaning they do not need help from others or aids like walkers. Additionally, participants should live in their own homes and be able to give their consent to take part. The study is not yet recruiting participants, but it aims to gather valuable information to help enhance walking abilities in stroke survivors.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Between 18-85 years of age
• • Had a stroke at least 6 months prior to study involvement
• • Are community dwelling, which means the participant does not live in an assisted living facility
• • Are able to provide informed consent to participate in the study activities
• • Can safely participate in the study activities (per self-report)
• • Must have a Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) score of 3 or above, which means the participant can walk without the assistance of another person
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Require a walker to walk independently
• • Have a shuffling gait pattern
• • Have a Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) score of 2 or lower, which means the participant requires the assistance of another person in order to walk
• • Have a significant secondary deficit beyond stroke (e.g. amputation, legal blindness or other severe impairment or condition) that in the opinion of the Principal Investigator (PI), would likely affect the study outcome or confound the results