Exoskeleton for Parkinson's Disease

AP
LM
Overseen ByLucas Michaud, PhD
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l'Outaouais
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study will evaluate whether a wearable robotic exoskeleton can improve mobility, balance, and walking in healthy older adults and in individuals living with Parkinson's disease, populations at high risk of falls and mobility limitations. Participants will attend two laboratory sessions. The first session includes clinical assessments, fitting and familiarization with the exoskeleton, and interviews to explore user perceptions. The second session involves performing functional mobility tasks (e.g., walking, standing, turning) with and without the exoskeleton and under different assistance levels, while movement is measured using wearable sensors.

The study will assess the immediate effects of the exoskeleton on mobility, compare assistance levels, identify which participants benefit most, and explore user experience and acceptability. Findings will help inform the development and implementation of assistive technologies to support mobility in healthy aging and in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

I can walk for at least 30 minutes, with or without minimal help.
I am 65 years old or older and do not have Parkinson's disease.
My Parkinson's disease is at stage 1 to 4.
See 2 more

Exclusion Criteria

I have severe blood vessel problems in my legs that affect my movement or safety.
I have Parkinson's disease and severe osteoporosis or a high risk of fractures.
Participants with Parkinson's disease: Severe cognitive impairment (MoCA < 21)
See 11 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

Session 1: Familiarization and Baseline Assessment

Participants undergo clinical assessments, fitting and familiarization with the exoskeleton, and participate in interviews to explore user perceptions.

1 day
1 visit (in-person)

Session 2: Functional Mobility Testing

Participants perform functional mobility tasks with and without the exoskeleton under different assistance levels, while movement is measured using wearable sensors.

1 day
1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention.

1 week

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Exoskeleton

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: ConditionsExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l'Outaouais

Lead Sponsor