A Comparative Analysis of Lower-Limb Exoskeleton Technology for Non-Ambulatory Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury
Georgia Institute of Technology
Summary
The purpose of this study is to compare two types of wearable lower-extremity exoskeletons -a self-balancing device lower-extremity exoskeleton and a user-balancing device lower-extremity exoskeleton-to better understand their effects on the physiological responses to walking and the user experience in people with spinal cord injury.
Description
Although Lower Limb Exoskeleton technology holds promise for improving mobility and independence in people with Spinal Cord Injury, limited research has examined the physiological and psychological effects of walking with self-balancing lower limb exoskeleton technology compared to systems that require user-operated assistive aids. Moreover, no studies to date have directly compared the short- and long-term outcomes of two lower limb exoskeleton technology types: (1) self-balancing and (2) user-balancing. To address this gap, this study will conduct a head-to-head comparison of self-balancing…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Subacute to chronic SCI (≥ 3mths post injury) * Motor-complete (ASIA Impairment Scale classification A/B) * Injury level T3-T11 * Age 18-70 yrs * Height between 5'1" and 6'1" * Weight \<200 lbs (90kg) * Seated hip width \< 42cm * Standing tolerance \> 15mins * Have sufficient upper limb strength to use a platform rolling walker, rolling walker, or forearm crutches * Currently medically cleared and enrolled in the Shepherd Center Beyond Therapy program * Medically cleared for weight-bearing activities * Able to follow directions to safely participate in assessments Exclu…
Interventions
- DeviceEkso Indego Therapy
User-balancing lower Limb exoskeleton
- DeviceWandercraft Atalante X
Self-balancing lower limb exoskeleton
Location
- The Shepherd CenterAtlanta, Georgia