WIM Exosuit Wearable Soft Robot for Enhancing Walking Activity

Launched by SHIRLEY RYAN ABILITYLAB · Jul 8, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is testing a new wearable device called the WIM Exosuit, which is a soft, robotic hip support designed to help people improve their walking. The study aims to develop and fine-tune this exosuit for individuals who have experienced a stroke, as well as for people with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or adults over 65 without any known neurological conditions. Healthy adults without any walking difficulties may also take part in certain parts of the study to help optimize the device.

To join the study, participants need to be between 18 and 89 years old and able to walk at least 10 meters with little or no help. They must have good thinking and memory skills and be able to safely wear the exosuit, which will be checked during an in-person fitting. People who recently had major surgery, have serious heart problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain bone conditions, or other specific health issues won’t be eligible. If you join, you can expect to try on the exosuit and take part in walking activities while researchers observe how well the device supports your movements. This study is currently recruiting participants, and it offers a chance to be part of developing a new technology that could make walking easier and safer for those affected by stroke and other conditions.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • - Be at least 6 months post-stroke, have a diagnosis of Parkinson's, have a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, or an adult older than 65 with no known neurological diagnoses.
• • For the Optimization Aim of the study, Participants may also be healthy individuals with no known impairments.
• • Age: 18-89 years of age
• • For stroke, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, or older adult participants, must have adequate cognitive function (MMSE score \>17)
• • Ability to walk at least 10 meters with maximum of 1 person assist
• • Able to safely fit into the WIM exosuit, which is confirmed via an in-person fitting..
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • - \<90 days post major orthopedic surgery (i.e. hip, knee, and/or ankle joint replacement.)
• • \< 6 months post CABG or cardiac valve procedure
• • Any skin irritations / conditions that may preclude a participant from tolerating the use of the exosuit.
• • Severe osteoporosis, defined as osteoporosis that has been diagnosed and a participant's doctor has recommended pharmacologic treatment, or there is both a history of osteoporosis and a history of fractures.
• • Serious cardiac conditions, such as hospitalization for myocardial infarction or heart surgery within 3 months, history of congestive heart failure, documented serious and unstable cardiac arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, severe aortic stenosis, angina or dyspnea at rest or during activities of daily living.
• • Pregnancy
• • Uncontrolled hypertension (resting systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 150, or resting diastolic pressure greater than or equal to 90.) If a participant demonstrates a BP greater than these values, then the participant will sit quietly for 5 mins, and then be re-checked. If the BP values remain over those thresholds, then the participant will be excluded. Individuals in such situations may return to be re-screened for participation after they follow up with their physician and the hypertension is better controlled.
• • Lower extremity fracture, either currently or within the past 6 months.
• • Modified Ashworth Spasticity (MAS) scores of ≥ 3 in hip flexors or extensors, if the participant is post-stroke or multiple sclerosis.
• • Pre-existing neurological disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), dementia
• • History of major head trauma, lower extremity amputation, non-healing ulcers of a lower extremity, ongoing active infections, legal blindness, or a history of significant psychiatric illness.