RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07633093

Effects of a Powered Lower-Limb Exoskeleton on Walking Performance in Older Adults

Acute Effects of a Powered Lower-Limb Exoskeleton on Walking Performance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Sponsor

Hunan Normal University

Enrollment

40 participants

Start Date

Jul 1, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Mobility Limitation Aging Physical Function Walking

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a powered wearable lower-limb exoskeleton can improve walking performance in independently ambulatory older adults aged 65 to 75 years. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does use of a powered lower-limb exoskeleton increase comfortable walking speed over 10 meters? * Does use of a powered lower-limb exoskeleton increase average walking speed during a 400-meter walk? Researchers will compare walking performance in older adults during walking with the powered exoskeleton and walking without the device to determine whether the exoskeleton improves mobility. Young-adult reference participants will also complete walking assessments to provide reference values for walking performance. Participants will: * Attend a screening and familiarization visit. * Complete walking assessments with and without the powered exoskeleton in randomized order (older adults only). * Perform a 10-meter walk test, a 400-meter walk test, and other physical performance assessments. * Complete questionnaires about balance confidence, fear of falling, and device usability. * Be monitored for safety events during testing.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 75 Years

Inclusion Criteria2

Older adults aged 65 to 75 years who are community-dwelling, independently ambulatory, able to walk independently on level ground, able to maintain standing balance without personal assistance, and able to understand study instructions.
Young-adult reference participants aged 18 to 22 years who are healthy university students without known conditions affecting walking or balance.

Exclusion Criteria7

Self-reported neurological disease affecting gait or balance.
Major musculoskeletal injury or surgery affecting walking within the previous 6 months.
Uncontrolled cardiopulmonary disease.
Severe visual or vestibular impairment affecting safe walking.
Current lower-limb pain that limits walking.
Cognitive impairment that prevents informed consent or protocol adherence.
Any condition judged by the study team to make participation unsafe.

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Interventions

DEVICEPowered Lower-Limb Exoskeleton

A commercially available powered wearable lower-limb exoskeleton (VIATRIX; ULS Robotics Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China) designed to provide bilateral lower-limb assistance during walking. The device is worn around the pelvis and lower limbs and provides powered assistance through bilateral actuation. During powered-device assessments, participants use the adaptive assistive walking mode following device fitting and familiarization procedures.