Actively Recruiting
Toward Ubiquitous Lower Limb Exoskeleton Use in Children and Young Adults
Led by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · Updated on 2026-05-14
23
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
117 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
People with cerebral palsy (CP), muscular dystrophy (MD), spina bifida, or spinal cord injury often have muscle weakness, and problems moving their arms and legs. The NIH designed a new brace device, called an exoskeleton, that is worn on the legs and helps people walk. This study is investigating new ways the exoskeleton can be used in multiple settings while performing different walking or movement tasks, which we call ubiquitous use. For example, we will ask you to walk on a treadmill at different speeds, walk up and down a ramp, or walk through an obstacle course. Optionally, the exoskeletons may also use functional electrical stimulation (FES), a system that sends electrical pulses to the muscle to help it move the limb.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Toward Ubiquitous Lower Limb Exoskeleton Use in Children and Young Adults
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Signed informed consent and assent forms are required for screening and participation
- Willingness and ability to comply with all study procedures and availability for the study duration
- Age between 5 and 25 years old
- Diagnosis of cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, spinal cord injury, or no gait pathology
- Knee joint range of motion of at least 25 degrees in the sagittal plane with hip extended
- Ankle joint range of motion of at least 15 degrees in the sagittal plane with foot in neutral position
- Ability to walk at least 10 feet without stopping, with or without walking aid
You will not qualify if you...
- Any neurological, musculoskeletal, or cardiorespiratory condition other than the specified diagnoses that affects walking with the exoskeleton
- History of uncontrolled seizures within the past year
- Pregnancy based on self-report
- Adults unable to provide consent at screening
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jesse H Matsubara
CONTACT
T
Thomas C Bulea, Ph.D.
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
4
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