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Effects of a Powered Lower-Limb Exoskeleton on Walking Performance in Older Adults
Sponsor: Hunan Normal University
Summary
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.
Official title: Acute Effects of a Powered Lower-Limb Exoskeleton on Walking Performance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 75 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
40
Start Date
2026-07-01
Completion Date
2026-10-01
Last Updated
2026-06-09
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Powered Lower-Limb Exoskeleton
A commercially available powered wearable lower-limb exoskeleton (VIATRIX; ULS Robotics Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China) designed to provide bilateral lower-limb assistance during walking. The device is worn around the pelvis and lower limbs and provides powered assistance through bilateral actuation. During powered-device assessments, participants use the adaptive assistive walking mode following device fitting and familiarization procedures.