Robotic Exosuit Augmented Locomotion (REAL) in the Clinic and Community
(REAL-m Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byLouis N Awad, PhD, PT

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Boston University Charles River Campus

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This trial tests soft robotic exosuits to help stroke patients walk better by supporting their ankles. The goal is to see if these exosuits can improve walking ability through intense training. Researchers will measure how well patients walk and move over time to understand their effectiveness. Soft robotic exosuits have been shown to facilitate immediate increases in walking speeds and improve walking performance in people with post-stroke hemiparesis.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You had a stroke at least 6 months ago.

You have trouble walking properly and it can be seen by others.

You walk very slowly, at a speed of 1 meter per second or less.

+5 more

Exclusion Criteria

Score of >1 on question 1b and >0 on question 1c on the NIH Stroke Scale

Inability to communicate with investigators

You have a history of strokes in the part of your brain called the cerebellum.

+6 more

Participant Groups

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: REAL TrainingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Robotic Exosuit Augmented Locomotion (REAL) refers to gait training with soft robotic exosuits, performed under a speed-based approach where participants are asked to walk at faster speeds in treadmill and overground environments. Cues and summary feedback emphasizing walking speed and forward propulsion are provided by the physical therapist to facilitate goal-directed walking practice. Training is progressively challenging based on environmental complexity and practice variability. REAL includes 12 training sessions, administered 2-3x/week. Each session includes 30 minutes of total walking time.