Effects of a Powered Lower-Limb Exoskeleton on Walking Performance in Older Adults
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-75
SponsorHunan Normal University
About this trial
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a powered wearable lower-limb exoskeleton can improve walking performance in independently ambulatory older adults aged 65 to 75 years.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Does use of a powered lower-limb exoskeleton increase comfortable walking speed over 10 meters? * Does use of a powered lower-limb exoskeleton increase average walking speed during a 400-meter walk?
Researchers will compare walking performance in older adults during walking with the powered exoskeleton and walking without the device to determine whether the exoskeleton improves mobility. Young-adult reference participants will also complete walking assessments to provide reference values for walking performance.
Participants will:
* Attend a screening and familiarization visit. * Complete walking assessments with and without the powered exoskeleton in randomized order (older adults only). * Perform a 10-meter walk test, a 400-meter walk test, and other physical performance assessments. * Complete questionnaires about balance confidence, fear of falling, and device usability. * Be monitored for safety events during testing.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Older adults aged 65 to 75 years who are community-dwelling, independently ambulatory, able to walk independently on level ground, able to maintain standing balance without personal assistance, and able to understand study instructions.
Young-adult reference participants aged 18 to 22 years who are healthy university students without known conditions affecting walking or balance.
Disqualifiers
Self-reported neurological disease affecting gait or balance.
Major musculoskeletal injury or surgery affecting walking within the previous 6 months.
Uncontrolled cardiopulmonary disease.
Severe visual or vestibular impairment affecting safe walking.
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Powered Lower-Limb Exoskeleton
Treatment groups
40 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsSponsors and collaborators
Source ClinicalTrials.gov