Wearable exoskeleton to support walking and balance in older adults and people with Parkinson's

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.