MedTrace Logo

Effectiveness and Safety of Electrically Powered Orthopedic Exercise Device for Gait Disorders

NCT07147543 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: PHASE4 · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 30

Last updated 2025-08-29

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Aging is a global trend, and consequently, the prevalence of age-related diseases is increasing. Gait disorders are common among the elderly and can result not only from various underlying conditions affecting gait but also from the decline in physiological and neurological functions associated with the normal aging process.

Gait is a fundamental daily activity that requires the coordinated integration of the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, impairments in any of these systems-including the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, or musculoskeletal systems-can lead to gait dysfunction. Gait disorders negatively impact quality of life by increasing the risk of falls, reducing the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), and limiting physical activity. Accordingly, various approaches to maintaining and improving gait function in older adults are being actively explored.

Currently, gait aids such as canes and walkers are commonly used to support individuals with gait impairments. These devices help redistribute body weight by providing a broader base of support, thereby assisting with balance and stability. However, they do not directly facilitate the movement of the lower limbs. To enhance gait function, numerous studies have investigated repetitive lower-limb movement training using bicycles or robotic devices. However, the extent of functional improvement resulting from such training remains unclear, and the long-term efficacy is still uncertain.

Recent advancements in sensing technology for joint motion and actuator efficiency have led to the development of wearable assistive devices that are significantly more compact and lightweight compared to conventional robotic systems. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a newly developed electrically powered orthopedic exercise device in patients with gait disorders by assessing changes in gait parameters upon wearing the device, thereby exploring its clinical feasibility.

Conditions

  • Gait Disorders

Interventions

DEVICE

Electrically Powered Orthopedic Exercise Device

Participants who pass the screening undergo an evaluation of gait function and balance ability without wearing the Electrically Powered Orthopedic Exercise Device. Afterward, the patient wears the motorized orthopedic exercise device for a total of four adaptation sessions. In each session, the patient performs short-distance walking within 10 meters while wearing the device to explore the appropriate assistive mode and level of support that match their physical condition. No evaluations are conducted while wearing the device during sessions 1, 2, and 3. After the 4th session, an evaluation identical to the one conducted without the device is performed while wearing it, and a satisfaction survey is conducted.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Yonsei University

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Na Young Kim, MD, PhD · Severance Hospital

Study Design

Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age
19 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-04-07
Primary Completion
2026-04-06
Completion
2026-04-06

Countries

  • South Korea

Study Locations

More Related Trials

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07147543 on ClinicalTrials.gov