High Intensity Training for Neurological Injury Using Overground Exoskeletons in Inpatient Rehabilitation

Description

The purpose of this study is to see if it's possible to reach high cardiovascular intensity training parameters (exercise at a rate that elevates heart rate to the level recommended for improving strength and endurance) while walking in a wearable robotic exoskeleton. This study will also evaluate if exercising at high intensity will lead to improvement in walking ability. Participants in this study will be asked to attend 5 walking training sessions using Ekso exoskeleton. There will be two additional sessions, one before and one after the five training sessions. At these two sessions, study participants will be asked to participate in seated balance, walking speed and endurance tests and breathing assessments.

Conditions

Spinal Cord Injuries

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

The purpose of this study is to see if it's possible to reach high cardiovascular intensity training parameters (exercise at a rate that elevates heart rate to the level recommended for improving strength and endurance) while walking in a wearable robotic exoskeleton. This study will also evaluate if exercising at high intensity will lead to improvement in walking ability. Participants in this study will be asked to attend 5 walking training sessions using Ekso exoskeleton. There will be two additional sessions, one before and one after the five training sessions. At these two sessions, study participants will be asked to participate in seated balance, walking speed and endurance tests and breathing assessments.

High Intensity Training for Neurological Injury Using Overground Exoskeletons in Inpatient Rehabilitation

High Intensity Training for Neurological Injury Using Overground Exoskeletons in Inpatient Rehabilitation

Condition
Spinal Cord Injuries
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Houston

NeuroRecovery Research Center at TIRR Memorial Hermann, Houston, Texas, United States, 77030

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Able to achieve adequate fit within the exoskeleton
  • * Diagnosis of CVA or motor incomplete SCI (AIS C or D)
  • * Sufficient range of motion to attain normal, reciprocal gait pattern, and transition from normal sit to stand or stand to sit
  • * Intact skin on all surfaces in contact with device and load-bearing surfaces
  • * Weight \<220 pounds
  • * Pregnancy
  • * Spinal instability
  • * Unhealed limb or pelvic fractures or any condition restricting weight-bearing in limbs
  • * Diagnosis of other neurological injuries other than CVA or SCI
  • * Uncontrolled spasticity (≥3 on Modified Ashworth Scale)
  • * Colostomy
  • * Decreased range of motion or contractures in legs (\>10° at hips, knees, or ankles)
  • * Uncontrolled autonomic dysreflexia
  • * Unresolved deep vein thrombosis
  • * Inability to tolerate standing due to cardiovascular issues or orthostatic hypotension
  • * Inability to follow 3 step commands
  • * Severe comorbidities: active infections, heart, lung, or circulatory conditions
  • * Pressure sores, impaired skin integrity
  • * Use of mechanical ventilation for respiratory support

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston,

Shuo-Hsiu (James) Chang, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston

Study Record Dates

2024-08-31