Exoskeleton-Assisted Mobility in Aging and in Parkinson's Disease
This study explores whether wearing a robotic suit, called an exoskeleton, can improve balance and walking for healthy older adults and people with Parkinson's disease. Both groups sometimes find it harder to move around and are at a higher risk of falling. Participants will visit a lab twice. The first visit involves checks, learning how to use the exoskeleton, and sharing their thoughts. The second visit involves walking and other movements with and without the exoskeleton, at different support levels, while sensors record their movements. The aim is to understand if this technology can help people move more easily and safely, and how they feel about using it.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine a special robotic suit, called an exoskeleton, that you wear to help you move. This study is testing if this technology can make walking and staying steady easier for two groups of people: healthy older adults and people living with Parkinson's disease. As we get older, sometimes our balance isn't as good, and walking can become harder. For people with Parkinson's disease, these challenges are even more noticeable because their condition affects movement.
Falling can be a big problem for both groups, leading to injuries and making it harder to live independently. Even though there are medicines and exercises, sometimes these don't fully solve all walking difficulties. This study wants to see if an exoskeleton can offer extra help. The researchers will be looking at how well people walk and balance when they use the exoskeleton, and also listening carefully to what people think about wearing it.
By understanding how the exoskeleton works, which people it helps most, and what users think, the study hopes to gather important information. This information could then help create better tools and technologies in the future to support people's ability to move around comfortably and safely, whether they are getting older or living with Parkinson's disease.
Key takeaways
- Researchers are testing a robotic suit (exoskeleton) to help with walking and balance.
- The study includes healthy older adults and people with Parkinson's disease.
- It aims to see if the suit can reduce falls and improve movement.
- Participation involves two lab visits for assessments and trying the suit.
- Your feedback on using the suit is an important part of the study.
Who may be eligible?
The study is looking for two main groups of people to take part.
Firstly, they need healthy older adults, aged 65 or over, who can walk for at least 30 minutes, even if they need a little bit of help like a walking stick.
Secondly, they are seeking people living with Parkinson's disease, between roughly 50 and any age, who also feel they can walk for at least 30 minutes, with or without a little help. Their Parkinson's should be in the earlier or middle stages (doctors call this Hoehn and Yahr stage 1 to 4).
There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are shorter than 5 feet (152 cm), have serious heart or blood vessel problems in your legs, have certain medical devices like a pacemaker fitted, have severe brittle bones (osteoporosis) with a high risk of breaks, or have other conditions that affect your movement apart from Parkinson's or typical aging. You also shouldn't have severe memory problems.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 65 or older and walk for at least 30 minutes (healthy older adults)?
- Are you living with Parkinson's and walk for at least 30 minutes?
- Are you at least 5 feet (152 cm) tall?
- Do you have a pacemaker or severe bone problems like osteoporosis?
- Do you have severe memory issues?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll visit a lab two times. In the first visit, the team will do some checks, help you get used to wearing the robotic suit, and talk to you about your thoughts on it. The second visit will involve doing some everyday movements like walking, standing, and turning, both with and without the suit, and at different levels of support it can offer. Sensors will be used to measure your movements during these tasks. We don't have information on the total duration of each visit but expect them to be long enough to complete all assessments and familiarisation. There is no mention of medication changes or follow-up appointments after these two sessions.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- TechCare Research Lab - CISSS de l'OutaouaisVerified postcodeGatineau, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is an exoskeleton?
It's a special robotic suit worn on the body to help support and improve movement, especially for walking and balance.
Will this exoskeleton cure my Parkinson's disease?
No, this study is looking at whether the exoskeleton can help with movement and balance in the short term; it is not a cure for Parkinson's disease.
How many times do I need to visit the lab?
You will need to visit the lab twice for this study.
Do I have to do specific exercises?
You will perform everyday movements like walking, standing, and turning, with and without the robotic suit.
Is there any cost to me for taking part?
The study information provided does not mention any costs for participants.
How to find out more
Alexandra Potvin-Desrochers, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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