Rehabilitation of individuals with neurological impairments Nervous System Diseases
Conditions
Interventions
Individuals with neurological impairments will complete a 12-week exoskeleton-based physical activity and home-based strength training intervention. Participants will complete three sessions per week
one exoskeleton-based walking session with The No Barriers Foundation lasting up to 1 hour, and two home-based strength training sessions. The Ekso NR™ is the exoskeleton that will be used throughout
Sponsors
Atlantic Technological University
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Adults with a neurological impairment (e.g., spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, acquired brain injury, stroke) 2. Aged 18-70 years old 3. Height: =157.5 and =188 cm and body mass: =100 kg 4. Able to signal pain, discomfort, or fear reliably 5. Functional joint mobility (ankle dorsiflexion = neutral; knee flexion = 0–120°; hip flexion = 0–90°; and hip extension = 0–10°) 6. No orthopaedic surgery or neurosurgery within 6 months prior 7. A stable cardiovascular system
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. Contractures, fractures or joint dislocations in the lower extremities 2. Osteoporosis 3. Height: 188 cm and body mass >100 kg 4. Unequal leg length 5. Unhealed skin lesions in the lower limbs 6. Thromboembolic diseases or cardiovascular instability
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The physiological response to the intervention, measured using: 1. A range of cardiorespiratory measurements generated by the Ganshorn PowerCube® 2. HR recorded using a Polar FT2 (GEN 90037558, Electro, Finland) chest strap HR monitor 3. RPE measured using the Borg Scale (6-20 scale) These measurements will be recorded throughout the 6MWT, which will be conducted at baseline, mid, and post-intervention. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Gait function is measured using the 6MWT which includes total walking distance and walking speed and will be recorded at baseline, mid, and post intervention 2. Functional mobility will be measured by a qualified and registered chartered physiotherapist using specific exoskeleton protocols at baseline, mid, and post intervention 3. Biomechanical response will be measured using Shimmer 3 EMG sensors, which will record lower limb muscle activation, acceleration and angular velocity throughout the 6MWT at baseline, mid, and post intervention 4. Emotional response will be measured using a Shimmer 3 GSR+ unit during the 6MWT at baseline, mid, and post intervention 5. Quality of life will be measured using the EQ-5D-5L quality of life questionnaire developed by EuroQol at baseline, mid, and post intervention | — |
Countries
Ireland
Outcome results
None listed