Rehabilitation for elderly patients with hip fractures using robotic technology

Assistive Robotic in the Elderly: Innovative Models in the Rehabilitation of the Elderly With Hip Fractures Through Technological Innovation

NA · Istituto Nazionale di Ricovero e Cura per Anziani · NCT04095338

This study is testing if using robotic technology during rehab can help older adults recover better from hip fractures compared to regular rehab methods.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment195 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIstituto Nazionale di Ricovero e Cura per Anziani (other)
Locations2 sites (Ancona and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04095338 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to improve rehabilitation outcomes for elderly patients who have suffered hip fractures by utilizing robotic devices alongside traditional rehabilitation methods. A total of 195 patients will be randomly assigned to receive either standard rehabilitation or robotic-assisted rehabilitation, with assessments conducted at multiple time points over two years. The focus is on enhancing balance, walking ability, and overall recovery through innovative technological interventions. The study will evaluate both immediate and long-term effects of the rehabilitation approaches.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are elderly individuals who have experienced a hip fracture within the last 60 days and have the capacity to consent.

Not a fit: Patients with severe neurological conditions, significant disabilities affecting mobility, or those unable to participate in follow-up assessments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance recovery and quality of life for elderly patients recovering from hip fractures.

How similar studies have performed: While robotic rehabilitation is an emerging field, similar studies have shown promising results in improving rehabilitation outcomes, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Capacity to consent
* Traumatic event within 60 days
* Romberg test: negative
* Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) score ≤ 2
* Ranking scale score ≤ 3;

Exclusion Criteria:

* Past history of syncopal episodes
* Presence of non-pharmacologically compensated behavioral syndromes
* Presence of pain that prevents walking or standing
* Presence of neurological pathologies that compromise balance (Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, ataxias, poliomyelitis)
* Spinal stenosis
* Radiculopathy
* Neuropathies lower limbs
* Disabling disabilities that impair walking (eg congenital malformations of the foot)
* Heterometry \> 2 cm
* Clinical dementia rating (CDR) score ≥ 3
* Severe systemic diseases with life expectancy \< 1 year
* Patients unable to follow up.

Where this trial is running

Ancona and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hip Fractures, Frail Elderly, Robotic Rehabilitation, hip fracture, rehabilitation, robotics

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.