Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Exoskeleton-Assisted Mobility in Aging and in Parkinson's Disease

Canada26 participantsStarted 2026-04-27

Plain-language summary

This study will evaluate whether a wearable robotic exoskeleton can improve mobility, balance, and walking in healthy older adults and in individuals living with Parkinson's disease, populations at high risk of falls and mobility limitations. Participants will attend two laboratory sessions. The first session includes clinical assessments, fitting and familiarization with the exoskeleton, and interviews to explore user perceptions. The second session involves performing functional mobility tasks (e.g., walking, standing, turning) with and without the exoskeleton and under different assistance levels, while movement is measured using wearable sensors. The study will assess the immediate effects of the exoskeleton on mobility, compare assistance levels, identify which participants benefit most, and explore user experience and acceptability. Findings will help inform the development and implementation of assistive technologies to support mobility in healthy aging and in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Who can participate

Age range50 Years

SexALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

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

What they're measuring

Changes in Timed Up and Go (TUG) duration

Timeframe: Through intervention completion, on average one hour

Changes in 10 meters walk test (10MWT) walking speed

Timeframe: Through intervention completion, on average one hour

Changes in 5 repetitions sit-to-stand test (5STS) duration

Timeframe: Through intervention completion, on average one hour

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07567482

SponsorCentre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l'Outaouais

Sponsor typeOTHER_GOV

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-10

Contact for this trial

Alexandra Potvin-Desrochers, PhD

819-966-6200 alexandra.potvin-desrochers@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Parkinson's Disease (PD) trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range50 Years

SexALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Changes in Timed Up and Go (TUG) duration

Timeframe: Through intervention completion, on average one hour

Changes in 10 meters walk test (10MWT) walking speed

Timeframe: Through intervention completion, on average one hour

Changes in 5 repetitions sit-to-stand test (5STS) duration

Timeframe: Through intervention completion, on average one hour