RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07356011

Exoskeleton for Balance

Improving Mediolateral Walking Balance With an Assistive Exoskeleton

Sponsor

Medical University of South Carolina

Enrollment

21 participants

Start Date

Apr 15, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Stroke

Summary

Many people who have experienced a stroke have deficits in their walking balance. The long-term goal of this research is to develop an exoskeleton that can effectively improve walking balance, thus improving functional mobility.

Eligibility

Min Age: 21 Years

Inclusion Criteria8

Evidence of a stroke at least 6 months prior to participation
Evidence of dysfunction of the paretic lower limb (Fugl-Meyer lower extremity motor score \< 34)
At least 21 years of age
Self-reported experience of a fall in the previous year, and/or a fear of falling
Gait speed of at least 0.2 m/s
Ability to walk on a treadmill without a cane or walker
Ability to follow three step commands and communicate with experimenters to answer questions (e.g., regarding their balance confidence)
Provision of informed consent

Exclusion Criteria8

Resting blood pressure higher than 220/110 mm Hg
History of unstable cardiac arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, severe aortic stenosis, angina or dyspnea at rest or during activities of daily living
Preexisting neurological orders or dementia
Legal blindness or severe visual impairment
Presence of neglect
History of DVT or pulmonary embolism within 6 months
Uncontrolled diabetes with recent weight loss, diabetic coma, or frequent insulin reactions
Orthopedic injuries or conditions (e.g., joint replacements) in the lower extremities with the potential to alter the gait pattern