Seated Ankle Robot for Foot Drop in Aging and Disabled Populations: A Demonstration Project
Baltimore VA Medical Center
Summary
The purpose of this research study is to test the utility of an ankle robot in people with ankle weakness and foot drop from a peripheral nervous system injury due to neuromuscular or orthopedic injury.
Description
Many individuals with central nervous system (CNS) injuries (e.g., a stroke) or peripheral nervous system (PNS) injuries (e.g., peroneal nerve injury, neuropathy, radiculopathy, and/or musculoskeletal injury) that affect their ankle movement have residual impairments that affect their walking and balance. These impairments include the disability "foot drop," which increases the risk for falling. This study will focus on PNS injuries that cause foot drop. Current therapy to address foot drop is limited primarily to the use of ankle foot orthoses (braces) that help keep the foot from hitting t…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–88 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Men and women, aged 18 to 88 years 2. Chronic foot drop and ankle weakness in one leg from a peripheral nervous system injury due to a neuromuscular or orthopedic injury 3. Ability to walk 10 meters and arise from a chair with no human assistance (but usage of usual assistive device\[s\] is permitted) Exclusion Criteria: 1. Medical history that would preclude participation in low-intensity seated robotic-assisted rehabilitation 2. Current participation in orthopedic or rehabilitation medical programs 3. Active deep venous thrombosis 4. Distal paretic leg skin lesions,…
Interventions
- DeviceSeated Ankle Robot Training
This intervention employs the use of an adaptive ankle robot control system over a 6-week intervention period.
Location
- Baltimore VA Medical CenterBaltimore, Maryland