Wearable hip-robot training to improve walking after major lower-leg burns
Official title: The Effect of Mobile Robot Assisted Gait Training on Gait Performance in Chronic Patients With Impaired Gait Function After Burn Injury : Pilot Study
Run by Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital · NCT07277166 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This 12-week program will try using a wearable hip-assist robot during daily physiotherapy to help adults who still have walking problems six months after large lower-extremity burns walk better.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 19 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Seoul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 13, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 15, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 15, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 11, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07277166 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 18 with persistent gait dysfunction at least six months after split-thickness grafting or burns covering more than half of the lower extremities, with FAC score ≥3 and who fit the wearable robot (height and BMI limits) are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with fourth-degree burns affecting deep tissues, severe cognitive or communication disorders, cardiac/circulatory conditions, extreme height or obesity that prevent robot use, or a recent high fall risk are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional program enrolls adults with chronic gait impairment following extensive lower-extremity burns or split-thickness skin grafting and a Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) score of 3 or higher. Participants receive one-to-one physiotherapy with a wearable hip-centered robotic device for 1 hour a day, five days a week, over 12 weeks. Outcomes are measured before and immediately after the training using FAC, the 6-Minute Walk Test, a visual analogue pain scale, spatiotemporal gait parameters (speed, cadence, step length), and sagittal joint kinematics for hip, knee, and ankle. Key exclusions include fourth-degree burns, severe communication impairments, cardiac/circulatory conditions, extreme height or BMI preventing robot fit, and high fall risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve walking speed, endurance, posture, and independence for people with long-lasting gait problems after major lower-extremity burns.
How similar studies have gone: Wearable hip-assist robots have shown improved energy efficiency and posture in other walking populations, but their specific use for post-burn gait dysfunction is relatively novel with limited direct evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * chronic patients who underwent split-thickness skin grafting or burns of more than 50% of the lower extremities and still had impaired gait dysfunction 6 months later. -aged over 18 years * had a Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) score of 3 or higher Exclusion Criteria: * fourth-degree burns (involving muscles, tendons, and bone injuries) * severe communication disorders because of intellectual impairment and psychological problems * Patients with body types that prevent them form wearing the robot, such as a height of 4.59 feet (140cm) or 5.91 feet (185cm) or more, or severe obesity with a BMI of 35 or more. * Patients with heart and circulatory conditions that may affect gait training. * Patients at a high risk of falling during gait training, owing to severe dizziness and having experienced a fall within the preceeding 2 month.
Where it's running
-
Hangang sacred heart hodpital
Seoul, South Korea Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: So Young Joo
- Email: anyany98@gmail.com
- Phone: 82-10-3234-9839
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Early detection of sepsis-related blood clotting problems in severe burn patients
This study tests how well the JAAM-2 score can detect sepsis-induced coagulopathy early in adults with severe burns who develop sepsis in the ICU.
-
THERAVEX Tissue Care Spray Plus for Healing of Skin Wounds and Ulcers
This observational review tests whether THERAVEX Tissue Care Spray Plus, used with standard wound care, helps heal various skin wounds and chronic ulcers in adults.
-
Efferon LPS hemoadsorption for severe burns
This study tests whether adding Efferon LPS hemoadsorption to standard care can help burn patients with high illness scores see if their symptoms improve and prevent organ failure.
-
Virtual reality gait exercises for lower limb lymphedema (LELO)
This trial will test whether adding VR-assisted gait training to standard Complex Decongestive Therapy helps adults with unilateral stage 2–3 lower limb lymphedema walk better, reduce swelling, and improve quality of life.
-
Hybrid functional electrical stimulation and augmented reality gait training for people with incomplete spinal cord injury
This trial will test whether combining functional electrical stimulation with augmented reality–guided walking practice helps adults with incomplete spinal cord injury walk better.
-
Tilapia skin versus regular dressings for second- and third-degree burns
This trial will test whether tilapia fish skin dressings help people with second- or third-degree burns heal better than regular dressings.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.