Wearable exoskeleton to support walking and balance in older adults and people with Parkinson's
Exoskeleton-Assisted Mobility in Aging and in Parkinson's Disease: A Mixed-Methods Study of Effectiveness and Acceptability
This project will test whether a wearable robotic exoskeleton can help older adults and people with Parkinson's walk steadier, improve balance, and reduce effort.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 26 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l'Outaouais Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Gatineau, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT07567482 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Participants attend two in-person laboratory sessions that include clinical assessments, fitting and familiarization with a wearable exoskeleton, and interviews about user perceptions. In the second session, participants perform functional mobility tasks — such as walking, standing, and turning — both with and without the exoskeleton and at different assistance levels while movement is recorded with wearable sensors. The study measures immediate effects on objective gait and balance metrics, compares different assistance settings to each participant's preferred level, and identifies participant characteristics associated with benefit. Results will also inform user experience and acceptability to guide future implementation of assistive mobility technologies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 65 or older who can walk for at least 30 minutes and people with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (Hoehn and Yahr stages 1–4) who do not have severe cognitive impairment.
Not a fit: People with severe vascular disease of the lower limbs, severe osteoporosis or high fracture risk, implantable life‑support devices (e.g., pacemaker), severe cognitive impairment, other neurological or lower‑limb conditions that limit mobility, or height under 152 cm are excluded and therefore unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the exoskeleton could improve walking speed and balance, reduce effort and fall risk, and support greater independence for older adults and people with Parkinson's.
How similar studies have performed: Wearable exoskeletons have shown promise improving gait and reducing effort in older adults and other groups, but rigorous evidence specifically in Parkinson's disease is still limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Participants with Parkinson's disease Inclusion Criteria: * Ability to walk for at least 30 minutes with or without minimal aid * Diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease * Hoehn and Yahr stage 1 to 4 Exclusion Criteria: * Height smaller than 152 cm * Severe vascular conditions of the lower limbs that may limit mobility or pose a risk. * Presence of any implantable or external life-sustaining medical device such as a pacemaker * Severe osteoporosis or high risk of fractures * Contra-indication to the required physical effort * Severe cognitive impairment (MoCA \< 21) * Presence of neurological disorders, lower-limb injuries, or other conditions interfering with mobility, other than Parkinson's disease. Healthy elderly participants without Parkinson's disease Inclusion Criteria: * Ability to walk for at least 30 minutes with or without minimal aid * Age ≥ 65 years old Exclusion Criteria: * Height smaller than 152 cm * Severe vascular conditions of the lower limbs that may limit mobility or pose a risk. * Presence of any implantable or external life-sustaining medical device such as a pacemaker * Severe osteoporosis or high risk of fractures * Contra-indication to the required physical effort * Severe cognitive impairment (MoCA \< 21) * Presence of neurological disorders, lower-limb injuries, or other conditions interfering with mobility
Where this trial is running
Gatineau, Quebec
- TechCare Research Lab - CISSS de l'Outaouais — Gatineau, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Alexandra Potvin-Desrochers, PhD
- Email: alexandra.potvin-desrochers@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
- Phone: 819-966-6200
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.