Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Feasibility and Safety of a Portable Exoskeleton to Improve Mobility in Parkinson's Disease
Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
Physical therapy approaches for balance and walking deficits in Parkinson's disease (PD) have limited effectiveness, with mostly short-lasting benefits. An exoskeleton is a device that straps to the legs and provides a passive force to assist people to better ambulate. The goal of this study is to establish the feasibility and safety of a lightweight exoskeleton on mobility and fall reduction in people with PD. As most PD patients eventually require assistive mobility devices, the exoskeleton represents a new option for increased, mobility, quality of life, and independence. Qualified subjects will come to the clinic twice weekly for eight weeks (16 total visits) and wear the exoskeleton device while walking under the supervision of a trained kinesiotherapist. Study staff will also interview participants and assess their PD symptoms, quality of life, and overall mobility. This study hopes to establish exoskeletons as modern, standard of care devices, which allow people with PD to maintain more independent and productive lives.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 90 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2024-09-01
Completion Date
2026-12-31
Last Updated
2025-11-21
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Exoskeleton
lightweight ground exoskeleton
Locations (1)
Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
Richmond, Virginia, United States