Toward Ubiquitous Lower Limb Exoskeleton Use in Children and Young Adults (NCT06998134) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Toward Ubiquitous Lower Limb Exoskeleton Use in Children and Young Adults
United States23 participantsStarted 2026-07-01
Plain-language summary
People with cerebral palsy (CP), muscular dystrophy (MD), spina bifida, or spinal cord injury often have muscle weakness, and problems moving their arms and legs. The NIH designed a new brace device, called an exoskeleton, that is worn on the legs and helps people walk. This study is investigating new ways the exoskeleton can be used in multiple settings while performing different walking or movement tasks, which we call ubiquitous use. For example, we will ask you to walk on a treadmill at different speeds, walk up and down a ramp, or walk through an obstacle course. Optionally, the exoskeletons may also use functional electrical stimulation (FES), a system that sends electrical pulses to the muscle to help it move the limb.
Who can participate
Age range
5 Years – 25 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:
In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
* Provision of signed and dated separate informed consent and assent forms for screening purposes. Upon inclusion in the protocol, provision of signed and dated informed consent and assent forms to begin participation in the study will be necessary.
* Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study, or alternatively, ability to do so based on parent report and physician observation during history and physical examination.
* Age 5 to 25 years old. Importantly, we included young adults (18-25 years old) because longterm outcomes for adults with cerebral palsy include loss of ambulatory ability. While studies of conventional gait training in this population have been conducted, use of exoskeletons in this population is very limited. Given the potential benefit of exoskeletons to reduce knee extension deficiency, it is important to determine whether novel controllers we develop are also tolerated and effective in this age group.
* Either has a gait pathology arising from a diagnosis of CP, MD, SB, or iSCI or has no gait pathology.
* Knee joint range of motion of at least 25 degrees in the sagittal plane (knee extension/flexion) assessed with the hip extended in a supine position. Hamstring contracture as assessed by the straight leg raising test does not limit ability to participate in the study.…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Evaluate acute biomechanical and neuromuscular effects of pediatric exoskeleton control paradigms on knee extension deficiency across ubiquitous tasks.
Timeframe: 4 months
Trial details
NCT IDNCT06998134
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)