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

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Aging, Walking, Physical Function, Mobility Limitation

In brief

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.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07633093

Run by

Hunan Normal University

People needed

40

Starts

2026-07-01

Expected to finish

2026-10-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-06-22

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 75. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• 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.

You may not qualify if…

• 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.

Where it is running

• Hunan Normal University — Changsha, China (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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