Exoskeleton for Balance in Stroke Survivors

This study is looking at how a special device called an exoskeleton can help people who have had a stroke improve their walking balance. Many stroke survivors have trouble with balance, which can lead to falls. Researchers want to see if wearing an exoskeleton, which is like a wearable robotic suit, can help stabilize your walking. You would try walking with and without the exoskeleton, and with different settings (impedances) on the exoskeleton. The study will measure how your pelvis moves and your step width while walking to see if the exoskeleton helps. To join, you must be at least 21 years old, have had a stroke at least 6 months ago, have some weakness in your leg, and have either fallen in the past year or have a fear of falling. The study is currently enrolling 21 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study with 21 planned participants. It will compare walking with no exoskeleton to walking with an exoskeleton set at different impedance levels (zero, low, medium, and high).
What's involved
You would have visits to measure your walking balance during normal walking and when there are changes in speed or vision. These measurements are anticipated to occur at Visit 2 (around 1 week) and Visit 4 (around 1 year).
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your walking balance will be measured at Visit 2 (anticipated average 1 week) and again at Visit 4 (anticipated average 1 year).

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07356011

Exoskeleton for Balance

Recruiting
NAAges 21+InterventionalBasic science
Medical University of South Carolina
~21 participants
Updated 2026-05-12 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:No ExoskeletonExoskeleton (zero impedance)Exoskeleton (low impedance)Exoskeleton (medium impedance)Exoskeleton (high impedance)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Partial correlation (rSW) between mediolateral pelvis displacement and step width during unperturbed walking
Measured over Visit 2, anticipated average 1 week
+3 more outcomes measured
Stroke

NCT07356011

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Medical University of South Carolina

    Charleston, South Carolinastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Evidence of a stroke at least 6 months prior to participation
Evidence of dysfunction of the paretic lower limb (Fugl-Meyer lower extremity motor score \< 34)
At least 21 years of age
Self-reported experience of a fall in the previous year, and/or a fear of falling
Gait speed of at least 0.2 m/s
Ability to walk on a treadmill without a cane or walker
Ability to follow three step commands and communicate with experimenters to answer questions (e.g., regarding their balance confidence)
Provision of informed consent

Exclusion

Resting blood pressure higher than 220/110 mm Hg
History of unstable cardiac arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, severe aortic stenosis, angina or dyspnea at rest or during activities of daily living
Preexisting neurological orders or dementia
Legal blindness or severe visual impairment
Presence of neglect
History of DVT or pulmonary embolism within 6 months
Uncontrolled diabetes with recent weight loss, diabetic coma, or frequent insulin reactions
Orthopedic injuries or conditions (e.g., joint replacements) in the lower extremities with the potential to alter the gait pattern
  • Partial correlation (rSW) between mediolateral pelvis displacement and step width during unperturbed walkingVisit 2, anticipated average 1 week

    Mediolateral pelvis displacement will be quantified at the start of each step, and step width will be calculated at the end of each step. Across all steps, the partial correlation between these two metrics will be calculated - accounting for the mediolateral pelvis velocity. This will be done for steps taken with each leg independently.

  • Partial correlation (rSW) between mediolateral pelvis displacement and step width during speed perturbationsVisit 4, anticipated average 1 year

    Mediolateral pelvis displacement will be quantified at the start of each step, and step width will be calculated at the end of each step. Across all steps, the partial correlation between these two metrics will be calculated - accounting for the mediolateral pelvis velocity. This will be done for steps taken with each leg independently.

  • Partial correlation (rSW) between mediolateral pelvis displacement and step width during vision perturbationsVisit 4, anticipated average 1 year

    Mediolateral pelvis displacement will be quantified at the start of each step, and step width will be calculated at the end of each step. Across all steps, the partial correlation between these two metrics will be calculated - accounting for the mediolateral pelvis velocity. This will be done for steps taken with each leg independently.

  • Partial correlation (rSW) between mediolateral pelvis displacement and step width during mediolateral pull perturbationsVisit 4, anticipated average 1 year

    Mediolateral pelvis displacement will be quantified at the start of each step, and step width will be calculated at the end of each step. Across all steps, the partial correlation between these two metrics will be calculated - accounting for the mediolateral pelvis velocity. This will be done for steps taken with each leg independently.