NCT07633093 Effects of a Powered Lower-Limb Exoskeleton on Walking Performance in Older Adults
| NCT ID | NCT07633093 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Hunan Normal University |
| Condition | Aging |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 40 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-07-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-10-01 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.
What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 40 participants in total. It began in 2026-07-01 with a primary completion date of 2026-10-01.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
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.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 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. Exclusion Criteria: * 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.
Contact & Investigator
Yang Zhang, PhD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07633093 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 75 Years, studying Aging. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07633093 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07633093 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at yzhang68@crimson.ua.edu for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07633093 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Changsha, China.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07633093 clinical trial?
NCT07633093 is sponsored by Hunan Normal University. The principal investigator is Yang Zhang, PhD. The trial plans to enroll 40 participants.