Ankle Exoskeleton for Walking Performance
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new robotic ankle device designed to help people walk more easily. The device, known as an exoskeleton, adjusts in real time to provide the right amount of support while walking. The goal is to make walking easier and more efficient for those with mobility issues. Individuals who can walk on a treadmill for 10 minutes without assistance and have no current leg pain or injuries may be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance mobility for many.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that this ankle exoskeleton is safe for walking performance?
Studies have shown that the adaptive ankle exoskeleton is generally safe to use. Research indicates that the system ignores unreliable data, preventing negative effects on its function. The exoskeleton's control system ensures correct joint movement, crucial for safe and effective use. Proper alignment with the user's joints avoids incorrect force, a standard design consideration for these devices. Overall, these systems prioritize safety and have been tested to support users effectively.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Unlike traditional treatments for walking difficulties, which might include physical therapy or supportive orthotics, the adaptive torque control system for ankle exoskeletons offers a personalized robotic solution. This exoskeleton works by actively adjusting the support it provides, tailoring it to the unique needs of each user during walking. Researchers are excited about this innovation because it has the potential to improve walking performance and reduce the metabolic cost of walking, making it easier and more efficient for individuals with mobility challenges. This personalized approach could significantly enhance mobility compared to more static, one-size-fits-all options currently available.
What evidence suggests that this ankle exoskeleton is effective for improving walking performance?
Research has shown that ankle exoskeletons can make walking easier and more efficient for people with mobility issues. One study found that using an ankle exoskeleton reduced the effort muscles needed during walking, making it less tiring. Another study demonstrated that customized exoskeleton support improved walking speed and energy use, making walking feel easier. Additionally, optimized force patterns in the exoskeleton reduced the energy needed to walk by over 24% compared to walking without assistance. This trial will evaluate the adaptive control system in the robotic ankle exoskeleton, which could help people walk more comfortably and with less effort.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Farah Fallahtafti, PhD
Principal Investigator
Department of Biomechanics, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for healthy young adults who can walk and exercise without limitations from neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary, or musculoskeletal conditions. Participants must be able to wear an exoskeleton with a safety harness, provide informed consent, walk independently on a treadmill for 10 minutes, and have no current lower extremity pain or injuries.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants engage in treadmill walking trials using the robotic ankle exoskeleton with real-time adaptive controller
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Adaptive Torque Control System for Ankle Exoskeleton
Trial Overview
The study is testing a new adaptive torque control system for an ankle exoskeleton called Biomotum. It's designed to learn an individual's walking pattern and adjust the support in real-time to improve walking efficiency and ease.
How Is the Trial Designed?
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Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
This arm employs a within-subject design with two methods of estimating metabolic cost versus the gold standard measure of metabolic cost, wherein a single participant is subjected to two distinct measurements. This design allows for a direct comparison of the effects of each method (i.e., estimation versus gold standard) within the same individual, minimizing intersubject variability and enhancing the statistical power of the analysis.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Nebraska
Lead Sponsor
Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital
Collaborator
Citations
Adaptive Ankle Exoskeleton Gait Training Demonstrates Acute ...
In summary, over-ground gait training using an untethered ankle exoskeleton was effective in improving spatiotemporal outcomes in a diverse cohort of ...
Ankle Exoskeletons in Walking and Load-Carrying Tasks
The exoskeleton reduced muscle activity, particularly in active mode. HRI torque varied according to gait phases and highlighted reduced synchronisation, ...
Personalizing exoskeleton assistance while walking in the ...
Personalized exoskeleton assistance provides users with the largest improvements in walking speed1 and energy economy2–4 but requires ...
Improving Walking Economy With an Ankle Exoskeleton ...
In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of a series of ankle exoskeleton assistance patterns on improving walking economy prior to optimization.
Human-in-the-loop optimization of exoskeleton assistance ...
Optimized torque patterns from an exoskeleton worn on one ankle reduced metabolic energy consumption by 24.2 ± 7.4% compared to no torque. The ...
Risk management and regulations for lower limb medical ...
The exoskeleton must be precisely aligned with the user's joint so that there is minimal incorrect torque forced onto the joints. Misalignment can result in ...
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asmedigitalcollection.asme.org
asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/mechanismsrobotics/article/17/5/050801/1207334/Safety-in-Wearable-Robotic-Exoskeletons-DesignSafety in Wearable Robotic Exoskeletons: Design, Control ...
This enables the system to reject or abstain from using unreliable data, preventing potential adverse effects on exoskeleton performance.
Exo Supportive Devices: Summary of Technical Aspects - PMC
The low-level controller in the position control scheme ensures that the exoskeleton joints turn to the desired angle, while the torque/force ...
Adaptive ankle exoskeleton gait training demonstrates ...
This study demonstrates acute spatiotemporal and neuromuscular benefits from over-ground training with adaptive ankle exoskeleton assistance.
Advances in Control Techniques for Rehabilitation ...
This systematic review explores recent advancements in control methods for rehabilitation exoskeleton robots, which assist individuals with motor impairments ...
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