Control strategies for wearable lower-limb rehabilitation robots
Effects of Control Strategies in Wearable Lower Limb Rehabilitation Robots
This tests three different robot control strategies during short overground walks for adults who had a stroke at least three months ago.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shenzhen, Guangzhou) |
| Trial ID | NCT07037849 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional project has post-stroke patients complete robot-assisted overground gait training using a wearable lower-limb robot. Each participant completes nine repetitions of 5-meter overground walking in a hospital corridor, performing three trials with each of three different controllers. The protocol records gait-related measures such as trajectory, torque, force, and functional walking performance during and immediately after the sessions. Eligible participants are medically stable adults able to walk independently and without major cognitive, skeletal, or cardiovascular contraindications.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–75 who had a stroke at least three months ago, are medically stable, can stand and walk independently for 10 meters, have some lower-limb muscle activity, and can follow instructions are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment, major balance or coordination disorders, recent lower-limb fractures, or serious cardiovascular and medical illnesses are unlikely to benefit or may be excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If one control strategy yields clearer or safer gait patterns, wearable robots could be tuned to improve walking speed, stability, and the efficiency of rehabilitation after stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Previous robot-assisted gait training studies have shown benefits for post-stroke walking, but direct comparisons of control strategies in wearable lower-limb robots are relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Stroke patients aged between 18 and 75 years. Patients who are medically stable and able to stand and walk independently for at least 10 meters during rehabilitation. Stroke event occurred at least 3 months ago Patients with impaired lower limb motor function but with some degree of muscle activity in the lower extremities. Patients without severe cognitive impairment and capable of understanding and following the treatment protocol. Patients without severe balance or coordination disorders, able to maintain balance and perform gait training with assistive devices. Patients without lower limb fractures or other serious skeletal issues affecting the lower limbs. Patients without severe cardiovascular or other serious illnesses and able to tolerate the intensity and duration of rehabilitation therapy. Patients willing to participate in the study and able to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Severe cognitive impairment that prevents the patient from understanding or complying with the treatment protocol. Severe balance or coordination disorders that prevent the patient from maintaining balance and participating in gait training, even with assistive devices. Other serious motor disorders, such as abnormal muscle tone or ataxia, which may interfere with the effectiveness of rehabilitation therapy. Active cardiovascular disease or other serious systemic illnesses that may affect the patient's safety or treatment outcomes. Lower limb fractures or other serious skeletal issues that may impact the suitability and safety of robot-assisted rehabilitation therapy. Patients currently receiving other rehabilitation or experimental treatments. Patients with skin ulcers, infections, or other severe skin conditions that may interfere with the use and application of robotic devices. Unexplained discomfort or pain symptoms that may limit the patient's ability to participate in rehabilitation therapy. Failure to meet other specific inclusion criteria outlined in the study protocol.
Where this trial is running
Shenzhen, Guangzhou
- Eight affiliated hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University — Shenzhen, Guangzhou, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Shaofeng Zhao
- Email: zhaosf1@163.com
- Phone: 86 18898773680
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.