Powered neck exoskeleton to help people with ALS and head drop
A Feasibility Trial to Evaluate Structural Suitability of a Robotic Neck Exoskeleton to Restore Head Movements in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
We will test a powered neck exoskeleton to see if it improves head movement and satisfaction for people with ALS who have neck weakness.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Utah Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Salt Lake City, Utah) |
| Trial ID | NCT07491562 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a small cross-sectional device feasibility study enrolling people with ALS and neck weakness from the University of Utah ALS clinic. After consent, participants will be fitted with a powered neck exoskeleton and will perform computerized tracking tasks and simulated activities of daily living with breaks to limit fatigue. Head-neck kinematics will be recorded and range of motion computed during tasks, and participants will report device satisfaction. The study focuses on device fit, movement support, and user experience rather than long-term clinical outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with an ALS diagnosis and demonstrable neck weakness/head drop who can follow instructions and have adequate vision and cognition to use the device.
Not a fit: People without neck weakness, with significant cognitive or visual impairment that prevents safe device use, or whose anatomy prevents device fitting are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the exoskeleton could improve head control and make everyday tasks easier and safer for people with ALS who have head drop.
How similar studies have performed: Power-assisted neck exoskeletons are largely novel for ALS; although passive head supports are used, clinical evidence for powered devices in this population is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ALS diagnosis and neck weakness Exclusion Criteria: * Any cognitive deficits or visual impairments that would prevent from safely using the device and completing the tasks.
Where this trial is running
Salt Lake City, Utah
- University of Utah — Salt Lake City, Utah, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Haohan Zhang, PhD
- Email: haohan.zhang@utah.edu
- Phone: 801-585-2536
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.