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Powered Exoskeletons in Persons With SCI

CSP #2003 - Exoskeleton Assisted-Walking in Persons With SCI: Impact on Quality of Life

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT02658656
Acronym
(PEPSCI)
Enrollment
424
Registered
2016-01-20
Start date
2016-08-01
Completion date
2021-09-30
Last updated
2024-11-04

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Spinal Cord Injury

Keywords

Exoskeleton

Brief summary

Background Veterans with spinal cord injury (SCI) have many adverse secondary medical and quality of life (QOL) changes as a result of immobilization. Veterans with SCI who have completed rehabilitation after injury and are unable to ambulate receive a wheelchair as standard of care (SOC) for mobility. Powered exoskeletons are a technology that has recently become available as an alternate form of mobility by providing an external framework for support and computer controlled motorized hip and knee joints to assist with over ground ambulation.

Detailed description

Administrative hold due to COVID-19 pandemic. Background Veterans with spinal cord injury (SCI) have many adverse secondary medical and quality of life (QOL) changes as a result of immobilization. Veterans with SCI who have completed rehabilitation after injury and are unable to ambulate receive a wheelchair as standard of care (SOC) for mobility. Powered exoskeletons are a technology that has recently become available as an alternate form of mobility by providing an external framework for support and computer controlled motorized hip and knee joints to assist with overground ambulation. Research Questions (Objectives) Will Veterans with chronic SCI of six months duration, who are medically stable and who use a wheelchair as SOC plus an exoskeletal-assisted walking (EAW) device in their home and community environments have clinically meaningful net improvements in mental health, bladder, bowel, and pain patient-reported outcomes compared with those who use only the SOC? Additionally, will the use of an EAW device for four months in the homes and/or communities of the participants result in a reduction of total body fat mass? Study Design A two-group (Intervention and Control), randomized, clinical trial will be performed with a one-year feasibility component. The Intervention group will receive SOC plus EAW. The Control group will receive SOC only. The study will require seven years in total to complete and includes fifteen VA SCI Services as study sites. A feasibility phase will be employed using a staggered start by initially starting six sites, four sites starting one year later, and 5 other sites starting two years later. These initial six sites will be used to assess the start-up activities \[hiring, training, equipment procurement, Central Institutional Review Board (CIRB) paperwork, etc.\], the rate of recruitment, and any other issues that may be of value for the successful completion of the study. Lessons learned will be implemented for the remaining sites. Relevance to VA In pilot studies conducted at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, improvements in mental-emotional health, physical health and body composition were demonstrated by providing the participants the ability to walk for 4 to 6 hours per week over the course of three to five months. As of July 2014, a Class 2 designation was established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for powered exoskeletons. To date, one device (ReWalk ) has received FDA Class 2 approval for institutional and home use and is currently available by prescription. The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is the largest single provider to persons with SCI in the USA, caring for about 26,000 of the 42,000 estimated Veterans with SCI. The VA presently lacks the infrastructure to support Veterans with SCI to train to use this device in order to make this technology available for the home/community use. A controlled research study would be anticipated to be the optimal manner to demonstrate the efficacy, amount of use and safety of a powered exoskeleton in the home and community environments; findings would be immediately transferable to clinical care. Number of Research Participants (Sample Size) One hundred-sixty participants (80/group) will be randomized. Each of the 15 study sites will be expected to pre-screen 100 potential participants, screen 60 participants, to reach the target of 160 randomized over 15 sites. Participating Sites Fifteen SCI Services will be selected on the basis of potential recruitment numbers (N=13,606 total Veterans with SCI in the sites' catchment areas and N=7,022 followed annually at these sites) and geographic location, to permit an even distribution across the country. The fifteen sites include: Boston, Richmond, St. Louis, Tampa, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Dallas, Houston, Palo Alto, Long Beach, Augusta, San Antonio, Bronx, Cleveland, and Albuquerque. Of these fifteen sites, five are VA Cooperative Studies Program (CSP) Network of Dedicated Enrollment Sites (NODES). Duration of Participant Intake (Study Duration) The CS #2003 study duration is projected to be a total of seven years: The initial six sites will have a start-up year, followed by participant enrollment/data collection during years 1-4, and continued data collection/closeout during year 5, for a total of six years. The next four sites will begin the start-up year one year after the first six sites and follow the same enrollment, data collection and closeout schedule over the next five years. The next five sites will begin start-up one year after the four sites and follow the same enrollment, data collection and closeout schedule. All fifteen sites will be closed out after six years, and there is an additional year for the Coordinating Center and Chairperson's Office to complete data analysis and manuscript writing, thus the study total time is seven years. Participants in both groups will be asked to commit 33 weeks to this study. Participants in the Control arm will be offered an additional 8 weeks to receive EAW training in the medical centers, without outcome data being collected. Treatment (follow-up) The intervention being tested is four months of home and/or community use of a powered exoskeleton. Definition of Participant Samples (Study Population) One-hundred sixty male or female Veterans or military members with chronic SCI, six months duration, 18 years of age, functional use of their hands, medically stable, and wheelchair users for indoor and outdoor mobility, will be eligible for screening. All potential participants will be Veterans or military members with SCI. Study participants will generally be outpatients with the exception of those inpatients who meet the eligibility criteria, and who are approved by the Site Investigator (e.g., some inpatients may have been admitted for a wheelchair fitting or another non-medical reason). Non-veterans with SCI will not be eligible. Treatment Arms All participants will receive four months of treatment, randomized into two arms: SOC plus EAW or SOC only. Endpoints Primary outcome one will be the Mental Component Summary of the Veterans Rand-36 (MCS/VR-36). Primary outcome two will be the sum T-score of the SCI-QOL bladder management difficulties, bowel management difficulties and pain interference item banks. The major secondary outcome will be total body fat mass. The two primary and the major secondary outcomes will be analyzed as the proportion of participants in each group who achieved a clinically meaningful change in score. The endpoint will be success or failure for these outcomes.

Interventions

DEVICEReWalk 6.0

Exoskeletal Assisted Walking Device

Sponsors

VA Office of Research and Development
Lead SponsorFED

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Veterans or active duty military personnel who are at least 18 years of age; 2. Traumatic or non-traumatic SCI 6 months duration of SCI; 3. Wheelchair-user for indoor and outdoor mobility; 4. Anthropometric compatibility with the device: 1. Weight \<220 lb. (100 kg), 2. Thigh length between 14 and 19 in (36 and 48 cm), 3. Shank length between 17 and 22 in (43 and 55 cm); 5. Able to hold the crutches in hands without modifications; 6. Able to have a companion who can attend approximately one-third of the training sessions who will assist them at home and in the community; and 7. Able to provide informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

1. Diagnosis of neurological injury other than SCI; 2. Progressive condition that would be expected to result in changing neurological status; 3. Severe concurrent medical disease, illness or condition judged to be contraindicated by the Site Physician; 4. Unhealed or unstable traumatic or high impact lower extremity fracture (definition below) of any duration that is in the clinical judgement of the study physician to be exclusionary for standing and walking; 5. Knee BMD \< 0.60 gm/cm2; 6. Total hip BMD T-scores \< -3.5; 7. Fragility, minimal trauma or low impact fracture of the lower extremity since spinal cord injury (definition below); 8. Untreatable severe spasticity judged to be contraindicated by the Site Physician; 9. Flexion contracture \> 15 degrees at the hip and/or \> 10 degrees at the knee; 10. Limitations in ankle range of motion that cannot be adapted with an orthotic device (plantar flexion \> 00); 11. Untreated or uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure \>140 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure \>90 mmHg); 12. Unresolved orthostatic hypotension (systolic blood pressure \<90 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure \<60 mmHg) as judged to be contraindicated by the Site Physician; 13. Current pressure ulcer of the arms, trunk, pelvic area, or lower extremities; 14. Psychopathology documentation in the medical record or history that may conflict with study objectives; and/or 15. Pregnancy or women who plan to become pregnant during the study period.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Improvement on the MCS in All Randomized ParticipantsChange from Baseline Assessment to 4 Months Post InterventionNumber of randomized participants with a greater than or equal to 4 point change on the Mental Health Component Summary (MCS) of the Veterans Rand-36 (VR-36) from Baseline Assessment to 4 Months Post Intervention. Possible range of the MCS is 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating higher mental wellbeing.
Improvement on the SCI-QOL Physical Medical Health Domain in All Randomized ParticipantsChange from Baseline Assessment to 4 Months Post InterventionNumber of randomized participants with a greater than or equal to 10 percent decrease on the SCI-QOL Physical Medical Health Domain (PMH) from Baseline Assessment to 4 Months Post Intervention. The PMH score is a sum of the SCI-QOL scores from the Bladder Management Difficulties, Bowel Management Difficulties, and Pain Interference item banks. Possible range of the PMH score is 110 to 253, with a lower score indicating better physical medical wellbeing.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Improvement on the SCI-QOL Physical Medical Health Domain in Participants Who Completed the 4 Month Intervention Phase.4 months post interventionNumber of participants, out of those who completed the 4 month intervention phase, with a greater than or equal to 10 percent improvement (decrease) on the Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life (SCI-QOL) Physical Medical Health Domain (PMH) from Baseline Assessment to 4 Months Post Intervention. The PMH score is a sum of the SCI-QOL scores from the Bladder Management Difficulties, Bowel Management Difficulties, and Pain Interference item banks. Possible range of the PMH score is 110 to 253, with a lower score indicating better physical medical wellbeing.
Total Body Fat Loss in Participants Who Completed the 4 Month Intervention Phase.4 months post interventionNumber of participants, out of those who completed the 4 month intervention phase, with a greater than or equal to 1kg of total body fat loss from Baseline Assessment to 4 Months Post Intervention
Change in Mental Health Component Summary (MCS)post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.Mean difference score in the Mental Health Component Summary (MCS) of the Veterans Rand-36 (VR-36) from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention. Possible range of the MCS is 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating higher mental wellbeing.
Change in SCI-QOL Physical Medical Health Domainpost training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.Mean difference score in the SCI-QOL Physical Medical Health Domain from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention. The PMH score is a sum of the SCI-QOL scores from the Bladder Management Difficulties, Bowel Management Difficulties, and Pain Interference item banks. Possible range of the PMH score is 110 to 253, with a lower score indicating better physical medical wellbeing.
Change in Total Body Fatpost training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.Change in total body fat from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention
Change in SCI-QOL Social Participation Domainpost training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.Mean difference score in the SCI-QOL Social Health Domain from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention. The Social Health Domain score is a sum of the SCI-QOL scores from the ability to participate in social roles and activities, satisfaction with social roles and activities, and independence item banks. Possible range of the Social Health Domain score is 78 to 191, with a higher score indicating higher social health.
Change in SCI-QOL Positive Emotional Constraintspost training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.Mean difference score in the SCI-QOL Positive Emotional Constraints from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention. The Positive Emotional Constraints score is a sum of the SCI-QOL scores from the positive affect and well being, self-esteem, and resilience item banks. Possible range of the Positive Emotional Constraints score is 63 to 199, with a higher score indicating better emotional wellbeing.
Change in SCI-QOL Negative Emotional Constraintspost training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.Mean difference score in the SCI-QOL Negative Emotional Constraints from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention. The Negative Emotional Constraints score is a sum of the SCI-QOL scores from the anxiety, depression, grief-loss, trauma, and stigma item banks. Possible range of the Negative Emotional Constraints score is 182 to 405, with a lower score indicating better emotional wellbeing.
Change in SCI Functional Index (FI)post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.Mean difference score in the SCI Functional Index (FI) from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention. The SCI Function Index for physical function is a sum of the basic mobility, ambulation, fine motor, self-care, and wheelchair mobility item banks. Possible range of the SCI Functional Index is 188 to 408, with a higher score indicating better physical function.
Change in Sleep Disturbancepost training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.Mean difference T-score of the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Sleep Disturbance from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention. Possible range of the PROMIS is 28.9 to 76.5, with a higher score indicating more sleep disturbance.
Change in Participant Impression of Severitypost training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.Mean difference in the participant impression of severity of spinal cord injury from the Global Impression of Change Scale from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention. Possible range of the participant impression of severity is 1 to 7, with a higher score indicating worse impression of severity of spinal cord injury.
Change in Companion Impression of Severitypost training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.Mean difference in the companion impression of severity of spinal cord injury from the Global Impression of Change Scale from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention. Possible range of the companion impression of severity is 1 to 7, with a higher score indicating worse impression of severity of spinal cord injury.
Total Body Fat Loss in All Randomized Participants4 months post interventionNumber of randomized participants with a greater than or equal to 1kg of total body fat loss from Baseline Assessment to 4 Months Post Intervention
Frequency of Bowel Evacuation Episodes4 months post interventionFrequency of bowel movements over 7 days. Responses were collected using a 5-point Likert scale with the following options: 7 times or more; 5 to 6 times; 3 to 4 times; 1 to 2 times; none.
Manual/Digit Stimulation for Bowel Movements4 months post interventionNeeded manual/digit stimulation for bowel movements over 7 days. Responses were collected using a 5-point Likert scale with the following options: none/never; only once; a few times; most times; every time.
Oral Medications for Bowel Movements4 months post interventionRequired oral medications to help with bowel movements over 7 days. Responses were collected using a 5-point Likert scale with the following options: none/never; only once; a few times; most times; every time.
Enemas or Irrigations for Bowel Movements4 months post interventionRequired enemas or irrigations to help with bowel movements over 7 days. Responses were collected using a 5-point Likert scale with the following options: none/never; only once; a few times; most times; every time.
Bowel Control4 months post interventionBowel accidents over 7 days. Responses were collected using a 5-point Likert scale with the following options: no leakage or accidents; leakage or an accident 1-2 times; leakage or an accident 3-4 times; leakage or an accident 5-6 times; leakage or an accident 7 or more times.
Stool Consistency4 months post interventionStool consistency by the Bristol Stool Scale over 7 days. The Bristol Stool Scale classifies stools into seven groups: separate hard lumps; sausage-shaped, but lumpy; like sausage, cracks on surface; like a snake, smooth and soft; soft blobs (passed easily); fluffy pieces, a mush stool; watery, entirely liquid.
Change in Abdominal Fat Masspost training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.Change in visceral adipose tissue mass measured from bone density scan, in grams, from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention
Change in High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterolpost training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.Change in high density lipoprotein cholesterol, in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention
Change in Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterolpost training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.Change in low density lipoprotein cholesterol, in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention
Change in Total Cholesterolpost training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.Change in total cholesterol, in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention
Change in Triglyceridespost training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.Change in triglycerides, in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention
Change in Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.Change in Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention. HOMA-IR= Fasting insulin (mIU/ml) x Fasting glucose (mg/dl) / 405.
Bowel Evacuation Time4 months post interventionTime spent to have a bowel movement per bowel day, over 7 days. Responses were collected using a 5-point likert scale with the following options: 5 to 15 minutes; 15 to 30 minutes; 30 to 60 minutes; 1 to 3 hours; more than 3 hours.
Improvement on the Mental Health Component Summary (MCS) in Participants Who Completed the 4 Month Intervention Phase.4 months post interventionNumber of participants, out of those who completed the 4 month intervention phase, with a greater than or equal to 4 point increase on the Mental Health Component Summary (MCS) of the Veterans Rand-36 (VR-36) from Baseline Assessment to 4 Months Post Intervention. Possible range of the MCS is 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating higher mental wellbeing.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Exoskeleton + SOC
Patient will receive exoskeletal-assisted walking device for in home use for 4 months ReWalk 6.0: Exoskeletal Assisted Walking Device
78
Standard of Care
Patient will receive standard of care (wheelchair use)
83
Total161

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001FG002
RandomizationAdministrative Termination310
RandomizationAdministrative Termination due to COVID-19 Restrictions13150
RandomizationAdverse Event400
RandomizationFailed Exoskeletal-assisted walking (EAW) Advanced Skills Test200
RandomizationLost to Follow-up130
RandomizationNot eligible for Randomization100
RandomizationProtocol Violation100
RandomizationWithdrawal by Subject870
ScreeningFailed eligibility criteria00263

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicTotalStandard of CareExoskeleton + SOC
Age, Continuous46.2 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 13.4
46.2 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 13.27
46.3 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 13.61
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
27 Participants19 Participants8 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
129 Participants63 Participants66 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
5 Participants1 Participants4 Participants
Mental Health Component Summary (MCS) of the Veterans Rand-36 (VR-36)59.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.29
59.2 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.71
60.6 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.85
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
2 Participants0 Participants2 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
1 Participants1 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
27 Participants13 Participants14 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
19 Participants13 Participants6 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
3 Participants2 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
109 Participants54 Participants55 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
161 Participants83 Participants78 Participants
SCI-QOL Physical Medical Health Domain153 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 22.54
153 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 23.93
153 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 21.11
Sex: Female, Male
Female
10 Participants4 Participants6 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
151 Participants79 Participants72 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 780 / 832 / 424
other
Total, other adverse events
54 / 7844 / 8386 / 424
serious
Total, serious adverse events
11 / 7814 / 8327 / 424

Outcome results

Primary

Improvement on the MCS in All Randomized Participants

Number of randomized participants with a greater than or equal to 4 point change on the Mental Health Component Summary (MCS) of the Veterans Rand-36 (VR-36) from Baseline Assessment to 4 Months Post Intervention. Possible range of the MCS is 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating higher mental wellbeing.

Time frame: Change from Baseline Assessment to 4 Months Post Intervention

Population: All randomized participants

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Exoskeleton + SOCImprovement on the MCS in All Randomized Participants12 Participants
Standard of CareImprovement on the MCS in All Randomized Participants14 Participants
p-value: 0.79895% CI: [0.45, 1.85]Chi-squared
Primary

Improvement on the SCI-QOL Physical Medical Health Domain in All Randomized Participants

Number of randomized participants with a greater than or equal to 10 percent decrease on the SCI-QOL Physical Medical Health Domain (PMH) from Baseline Assessment to 4 Months Post Intervention. The PMH score is a sum of the SCI-QOL scores from the Bladder Management Difficulties, Bowel Management Difficulties, and Pain Interference item banks. Possible range of the PMH score is 110 to 253, with a lower score indicating better physical medical wellbeing.

Time frame: Change from Baseline Assessment to 4 Months Post Intervention

Population: All randomized participants

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Exoskeleton + SOCImprovement on the SCI-QOL Physical Medical Health Domain in All Randomized Participants10 Participants
Standard of CareImprovement on the SCI-QOL Physical Medical Health Domain in All Randomized Participants11 Participants
p-value: 0.93595% CI: [0.44, 2.15]Chi-squared
Secondary

Bowel Control

Bowel accidents over 7 days. Responses were collected using a 5-point Likert scale with the following options: no leakage or accidents; leakage or an accident 1-2 times; leakage or an accident 3-4 times; leakage or an accident 5-6 times; leakage or an accident 7 or more times.

Time frame: 4 months post intervention

ArmMeasureCategoryValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Exoskeleton + SOCBowel ControlNo leakage or accidents31 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCBowel ControlLeakage or an accident 5-6 times0 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCBowel ControlLeakage or an accident 1-2 times12 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCBowel ControlLeakage or an accident 7 or more times0 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCBowel ControlLeakage or an accident 3-4 times2 Participants
Standard of CareBowel ControlLeakage or an accident 7 or more times1 Participants
Standard of CareBowel ControlNo leakage or accidents43 Participants
Standard of CareBowel ControlLeakage or an accident 3-4 times1 Participants
Standard of CareBowel ControlLeakage or an accident 5-6 times0 Participants
Standard of CareBowel ControlLeakage or an accident 1-2 times11 Participants
Secondary

Bowel Evacuation Time

Time spent to have a bowel movement per bowel day, over 7 days. Responses were collected using a 5-point likert scale with the following options: 5 to 15 minutes; 15 to 30 minutes; 30 to 60 minutes; 1 to 3 hours; more than 3 hours.

Time frame: 4 months post intervention

ArmMeasureCategoryValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Exoskeleton + SOCBowel Evacuation Time15 to 30 minutes10 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCBowel Evacuation Time1 to 3 hours10 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCBowel Evacuation Time30 to 60 minutes10 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCBowel Evacuation TimeMore than 3 hours1 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCBowel Evacuation Time5 to 15 minutes14 Participants
Standard of CareBowel Evacuation TimeMore than 3 hours1 Participants
Standard of CareBowel Evacuation Time5 to 15 minutes8 Participants
Standard of CareBowel Evacuation Time15 to 30 minutes14 Participants
Standard of CareBowel Evacuation Time30 to 60 minutes22 Participants
Standard of CareBowel Evacuation Time1 to 3 hours11 Participants
Secondary

Change in Abdominal Fat Mass

Change in visceral adipose tissue mass measured from bone density scan, in grams, from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention

Time frame: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.

Population: Randomized participants with a bone density scan at baseline and at least one of the following time points: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, or 4 months post intervention.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Abdominal Fat MassPost Training/Orientation57 gramsStandard Deviation 269.4
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Abdominal Fat MassTwo months post intervention93 gramsStandard Deviation 351.6
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Abdominal Fat Mass4 months post intervention67 gramsStandard Deviation 360.2
Standard of CareChange in Abdominal Fat MassPost Training/Orientation30 gramsStandard Deviation 247.8
Standard of CareChange in Abdominal Fat MassTwo months post intervention2 gramsStandard Deviation 247.4
Standard of CareChange in Abdominal Fat Mass4 months post intervention21 gramsStandard Deviation 273.4
Secondary

Change in Companion Impression of Severity

Mean difference in the companion impression of severity of spinal cord injury from the Global Impression of Change Scale from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention. Possible range of the companion impression of severity is 1 to 7, with a higher score indicating worse impression of severity of spinal cord injury.

Time frame: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.

Population: Randomized participants with a companion impression of severity score on the Global Impression of Change Scale at baseline and at least one of the following time points: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, or 4 months post intervention.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Companion Impression of SeverityPost Training/Orientation0.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.3
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Companion Impression of SeverityTwo months post intervention0.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.55
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Companion Impression of Severity4 months post intervention0.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.28
Standard of CareChange in Companion Impression of SeverityPost Training/Orientation0.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.13
Standard of CareChange in Companion Impression of SeverityTwo months post intervention0.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.48
Standard of CareChange in Companion Impression of Severity4 months post intervention0.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.13
Secondary

Change in High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

Change in high density lipoprotein cholesterol, in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention

Time frame: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.

Population: Randomized participants with a high density lipoprotein cholesterol lab value at baseline and at least one of the following time points: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, or 4 months post intervention.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in High Density Lipoprotein CholesterolTwo Months post intervention1.3 mg/dLStandard Deviation 6.42
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in High Density Lipoprotein CholesterolPost Training/Orientation0.8 mg/dLStandard Deviation 6.55
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol4 months post intervention0.7 mg/dLStandard Deviation 7.3
Standard of CareChange in High Density Lipoprotein CholesterolTwo Months post intervention0.2 mg/dLStandard Deviation 8.11
Standard of CareChange in High Density Lipoprotein CholesterolPost Training/Orientation-0.6 mg/dLStandard Deviation 8.66
Standard of CareChange in High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol4 months post intervention-0.3 mg/dLStandard Deviation 7.5
Secondary

Change in Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)

Change in Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention. HOMA-IR= Fasting insulin (mIU/ml) x Fasting glucose (mg/dl) / 405.

Time frame: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.

Population: Randomized participants with fasting insulin and fasting glucose lab values at baseline and at least one of the following time points: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, or 4 months post intervention.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)Two months post intervention2.3 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 11.4
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)Post Training/Orientation1.1 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.94
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)4 months post intervention1.7 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 8.11
Standard of CareChange in Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)Post Training/Orientation0.1 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.68
Standard of CareChange in Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)Two months post intervention0.1 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.27
Standard of CareChange in Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)4 months post intervention0.3 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.7
Secondary

Change in Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

Change in low density lipoprotein cholesterol, in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention

Time frame: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.

Population: Randomized participants with a low density lipoprotein cholesterol lab value at baseline and at least one of the following time points: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, or 4 months post intervention.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Low Density Lipoprotein CholesterolPost training/Orientation-2.9 mg/dLStandard Deviation 24.26
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Low Density Lipoprotein CholesterolTwo months post intervention-0.6 mg/dLStandard Deviation 21.15
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol4 months post intervention-2.4 mg/dLStandard Deviation 20.77
Standard of CareChange in Low Density Lipoprotein CholesterolPost training/Orientation1.2 mg/dLStandard Deviation 28.49
Standard of CareChange in Low Density Lipoprotein CholesterolTwo months post intervention-0.7 mg/dLStandard Deviation 21.13
Standard of CareChange in Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol4 months post intervention1.8 mg/dLStandard Deviation 23.97
Secondary

Change in Mental Health Component Summary (MCS)

Mean difference score in the Mental Health Component Summary (MCS) of the Veterans Rand-36 (VR-36) from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention. Possible range of the MCS is 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating higher mental wellbeing.

Time frame: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.

Population: Randomized participants with a Mental Health Component Summary (MCS) score at baseline and at least one of the following time points: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, or 4 months post intervention.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Mental Health Component Summary (MCS)Post training/orientation1.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.57
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Mental Health Component Summary (MCS)2 month post intervention1.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 8.04
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Mental Health Component Summary (MCS)4 month post intervention-0.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 10.4
Standard of CareChange in Mental Health Component Summary (MCS)Post training/orientation-0.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.32
Standard of CareChange in Mental Health Component Summary (MCS)2 month post intervention-1.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 8.42
Standard of CareChange in Mental Health Component Summary (MCS)4 month post intervention-1.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 10.38
Secondary

Change in Participant Impression of Severity

Mean difference in the participant impression of severity of spinal cord injury from the Global Impression of Change Scale from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention. Possible range of the participant impression of severity is 1 to 7, with a higher score indicating worse impression of severity of spinal cord injury.

Time frame: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.

Population: Randomized participants with an impression of severity score on the Global Impression of Change Scale at baseline and at least one of the following time points: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, or 4 months post intervention.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Participant Impression of SeverityPost Training/Orientation-0.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.1
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Participant Impression of Severity2 months post intervention0.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.01
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Participant Impression of Severity4 months post intervention-0.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.17
Standard of CareChange in Participant Impression of SeverityPost Training/Orientation0.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.06
Standard of CareChange in Participant Impression of Severity2 months post intervention0.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.13
Standard of CareChange in Participant Impression of Severity4 months post intervention0.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.16
Secondary

Change in SCI Functional Index (FI)

Mean difference score in the SCI Functional Index (FI) from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention. The SCI Function Index for physical function is a sum of the basic mobility, ambulation, fine motor, self-care, and wheelchair mobility item banks. Possible range of the SCI Functional Index is 188 to 408, with a higher score indicating better physical function.

Time frame: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.

Population: Randomized participants with a score on the SCI FI at baseline and at least one of the following time points: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, or 4 months post intervention.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in SCI Functional Index (FI)Post Training/Orientation5.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 20.97
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in SCI Functional Index (FI)Two months post intervention7.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 16
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in SCI Functional Index (FI)4 months post intervention3.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 16.36
Standard of CareChange in SCI Functional Index (FI)Post Training/Orientation-5.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 11.63
Standard of CareChange in SCI Functional Index (FI)Two months post intervention-4.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 12.99
Standard of CareChange in SCI Functional Index (FI)4 months post intervention-8.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 20.6
Secondary

Change in SCI-QOL Negative Emotional Constraints

Mean difference score in the SCI-QOL Negative Emotional Constraints from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention. The Negative Emotional Constraints score is a sum of the SCI-QOL scores from the anxiety, depression, grief-loss, trauma, and stigma item banks. Possible range of the Negative Emotional Constraints score is 182 to 405, with a lower score indicating better emotional wellbeing.

Time frame: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.

Population: Randomized participants with a score on SCI-QOL Negative Emotional Constraints at baseline and at least one of the following time points: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, or 4 months post intervention.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in SCI-QOL Negative Emotional Constraintspost training/orientation-6.5 Score on a scaleStandard Deviation 25.2
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in SCI-QOL Negative Emotional Constraints2 months post intervention-8.4 Score on a scaleStandard Deviation 21.83
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in SCI-QOL Negative Emotional Constraints4 months post intervention-8.6 Score on a scaleStandard Deviation 22.34
Standard of CareChange in SCI-QOL Negative Emotional Constraintspost training/orientation3.6 Score on a scaleStandard Deviation 22.42
Standard of CareChange in SCI-QOL Negative Emotional Constraints2 months post intervention1.1 Score on a scaleStandard Deviation 22.05
Standard of CareChange in SCI-QOL Negative Emotional Constraints4 months post intervention1.5 Score on a scaleStandard Deviation 26.91
Secondary

Change in SCI-QOL Physical Medical Health Domain

Mean difference score in the SCI-QOL Physical Medical Health Domain from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention. The PMH score is a sum of the SCI-QOL scores from the Bladder Management Difficulties, Bowel Management Difficulties, and Pain Interference item banks. Possible range of the PMH score is 110 to 253, with a lower score indicating better physical medical wellbeing.

Time frame: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.

Population: Randomized participants with a PMH score at baseline and at least one of the following time points: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, or 4 months post intervention.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in SCI-QOL Physical Medical Health Domain2 month post intervention-5.9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 15.56
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in SCI-QOL Physical Medical Health DomainPost training/orientation-4.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 17.6
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in SCI-QOL Physical Medical Health Domain4 month post intervention-6.9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 17.71
Standard of CareChange in SCI-QOL Physical Medical Health DomainPost training/orientation-0.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 16.59
Standard of CareChange in SCI-QOL Physical Medical Health Domain2 month post intervention-1.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 17.73
Standard of CareChange in SCI-QOL Physical Medical Health Domain4 month post intervention-1.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 19.99
Secondary

Change in SCI-QOL Positive Emotional Constraints

Mean difference score in the SCI-QOL Positive Emotional Constraints from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention. The Positive Emotional Constraints score is a sum of the SCI-QOL scores from the positive affect and well being, self-esteem, and resilience item banks. Possible range of the Positive Emotional Constraints score is 63 to 199, with a higher score indicating better emotional wellbeing.

Time frame: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.

Population: Randomized participants with a score on the SCI-QOL Positive Emotional Constraints at baseline and at least one of the following time points: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, or 4 months post intervention.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in SCI-QOL Positive Emotional ConstraintsPost Training/Orientation0.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 17.72
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in SCI-QOL Positive Emotional Constraints2 months post intervention1.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 16.28
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in SCI-QOL Positive Emotional Constraints4 months post intervention2.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 14.99
Standard of CareChange in SCI-QOL Positive Emotional ConstraintsPost Training/Orientation-2.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 16.87
Standard of CareChange in SCI-QOL Positive Emotional Constraints2 months post intervention-1.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 16.71
Standard of CareChange in SCI-QOL Positive Emotional Constraints4 months post intervention-3.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 20.63
Secondary

Change in SCI-QOL Social Participation Domain

Mean difference score in the SCI-QOL Social Health Domain from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention. The Social Health Domain score is a sum of the SCI-QOL scores from the ability to participate in social roles and activities, satisfaction with social roles and activities, and independence item banks. Possible range of the Social Health Domain score is 78 to 191, with a higher score indicating higher social health.

Time frame: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.

Population: Randomized participants with a Social Health Domain score at baseline and at least one of the following time points: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, or 4 months post intervention.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in SCI-QOL Social Participation Domainpost training/orientation1.9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 14.74
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in SCI-QOL Social Participation Domain2 month post intervention-0.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 17.13
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in SCI-QOL Social Participation Domain4 month post intervention4.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 15
Standard of CareChange in SCI-QOL Social Participation Domainpost training/orientation-2.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 13.58
Standard of CareChange in SCI-QOL Social Participation Domain2 month post intervention-2.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 13.45
Standard of CareChange in SCI-QOL Social Participation Domain4 month post intervention-3.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 16.59
Secondary

Change in Sleep Disturbance

Mean difference T-score of the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Sleep Disturbance from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention. Possible range of the PROMIS is 28.9 to 76.5, with a higher score indicating more sleep disturbance.

Time frame: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.

Population: Randomized with a score on the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance score at baseline and at least one of the following time points: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, or 4 months post intervention.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Sleep DisturbancePost Training/Orientation-1.8 Score on a scaleStandard Deviation 8.83
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Sleep Disturbance2 months post intervention-2.1 Score on a scaleStandard Deviation 8.75
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Sleep Disturbance4 months post intervention-0.3 Score on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.91
Standard of CareChange in Sleep Disturbance4 months post intervention1.3 Score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.58
Standard of CareChange in Sleep DisturbancePost Training/Orientation2.1 Score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.57
Standard of CareChange in Sleep Disturbance2 months post intervention1.6 Score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.5
Secondary

Change in Total Body Fat

Change in total body fat from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention

Time frame: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.

Population: Randomized participants with a total body fat measurement at baseline and at least one of the following time points: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, or 4 months post intervention.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Total Body FatPost training/orientation0.2 kilogramsStandard Deviation 2.01
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Total Body Fat2 month post intervention0.4 kilogramsStandard Deviation 3.13
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Total Body Fat4 month post intervention0.1 kilogramsStandard Deviation 3.75
Standard of CareChange in Total Body FatPost training/orientation0.3 kilogramsStandard Deviation 1.82
Standard of CareChange in Total Body Fat2 month post intervention0.1 kilogramsStandard Deviation 2.84
Standard of CareChange in Total Body Fat4 month post intervention0.1 kilogramsStandard Deviation 3.59
Secondary

Change in Total Cholesterol

Change in total cholesterol, in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention

Time frame: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.

Population: Randomized participants with a total cholesterol lab value at baseline and at least one of the following time points: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, or 4 months post intervention.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Total Cholesterol4 Months post intervention4.8 mg/dLStandard Deviation 36.71
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Total CholesterolPost Training/Orientation2.9 mg/dLStandard Deviation 32.44
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Total CholesterolTwo months post intervention2.6 mg/dLStandard Deviation 31.93
Standard of CareChange in Total Cholesterol4 Months post intervention1.1 mg/dLStandard Deviation 29.65
Standard of CareChange in Total CholesterolPost Training/Orientation0.0 mg/dLStandard Deviation 31.42
Standard of CareChange in Total CholesterolTwo months post intervention1.4 mg/dLStandard Deviation 26.08
Secondary

Change in Triglycerides

Change in triglycerides, in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), from baseline to post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention

Time frame: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, and 4 months post intervention.

Population: Randomized participants with a triglycerides lab value at baseline and at least one of the following time points: post training/orientation, two months post intervention, or 4 months post intervention.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in TriglyceridesPost Training/Orientation3.9 mg/dLStandard Deviation 61.78
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in TriglyceridesTwo months post intervention3.0 mg/dLStandard Deviation 68.36
Exoskeleton + SOCChange in Triglycerides4 months post intervention14.9 mg/dLStandard Deviation 104.2
Standard of CareChange in TriglyceridesPost Training/Orientation4.0 mg/dLStandard Deviation 57.37
Standard of CareChange in TriglyceridesTwo months post intervention9.5 mg/dLStandard Deviation 68.17
Standard of CareChange in Triglycerides4 months post intervention-2.3 mg/dLStandard Deviation 61.12
Secondary

Enemas or Irrigations for Bowel Movements

Required enemas or irrigations to help with bowel movements over 7 days. Responses were collected using a 5-point Likert scale with the following options: none/never; only once; a few times; most times; every time.

Time frame: 4 months post intervention

ArmMeasureCategoryValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Exoskeleton + SOCEnemas or Irrigations for Bowel MovementsMost times1 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCEnemas or Irrigations for Bowel MovementsNone/never30 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCEnemas or Irrigations for Bowel MovementsOnly once1 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCEnemas or Irrigations for Bowel MovementsA few times4 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCEnemas or Irrigations for Bowel MovementsEvery time9 Participants
Standard of CareEnemas or Irrigations for Bowel MovementsEvery time13 Participants
Standard of CareEnemas or Irrigations for Bowel MovementsA few times4 Participants
Standard of CareEnemas or Irrigations for Bowel MovementsNone/never33 Participants
Standard of CareEnemas or Irrigations for Bowel MovementsMost times2 Participants
Standard of CareEnemas or Irrigations for Bowel MovementsOnly once4 Participants
Secondary

Frequency of Bowel Evacuation Episodes

Frequency of bowel movements over 7 days. Responses were collected using a 5-point Likert scale with the following options: 7 times or more; 5 to 6 times; 3 to 4 times; 1 to 2 times; none.

Time frame: 4 months post intervention

ArmMeasureCategoryValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Exoskeleton + SOCFrequency of Bowel Evacuation Episodes5-6 times7 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCFrequency of Bowel Evacuation Episodes1-2 times4 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCFrequency of Bowel Evacuation Episodes3-4 times16 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCFrequency of Bowel Evacuation EpisodesNone0 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCFrequency of Bowel Evacuation Episodes7 times or more18 Participants
Standard of CareFrequency of Bowel Evacuation EpisodesNone1 Participants
Standard of CareFrequency of Bowel Evacuation Episodes7 times or more23 Participants
Standard of CareFrequency of Bowel Evacuation Episodes5-6 times9 Participants
Standard of CareFrequency of Bowel Evacuation Episodes3-4 times16 Participants
Standard of CareFrequency of Bowel Evacuation Episodes1-2 times6 Participants
Secondary

Improvement on the Mental Health Component Summary (MCS) in Participants Who Completed the 4 Month Intervention Phase.

Number of participants, out of those who completed the 4 month intervention phase, with a greater than or equal to 4 point increase on the Mental Health Component Summary (MCS) of the Veterans Rand-36 (VR-36) from Baseline Assessment to 4 Months Post Intervention. Possible range of the MCS is 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating higher mental wellbeing.

Time frame: 4 months post intervention

Population: Participants who completed the 4 month intervention phase

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Exoskeleton + SOCImprovement on the Mental Health Component Summary (MCS) in Participants Who Completed the 4 Month Intervention Phase.12 Participants
Standard of CareImprovement on the Mental Health Component Summary (MCS) in Participants Who Completed the 4 Month Intervention Phase.14 Participants
p-value: 0.80995% CI: [0.56, 2.11]Chi-squared
Secondary

Improvement on the SCI-QOL Physical Medical Health Domain in Participants Who Completed the 4 Month Intervention Phase.

Number of participants, out of those who completed the 4 month intervention phase, with a greater than or equal to 10 percent improvement (decrease) on the Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life (SCI-QOL) Physical Medical Health Domain (PMH) from Baseline Assessment to 4 Months Post Intervention. The PMH score is a sum of the SCI-QOL scores from the Bladder Management Difficulties, Bowel Management Difficulties, and Pain Interference item banks. Possible range of the PMH score is 110 to 253, with a lower score indicating better physical medical wellbeing.

Time frame: 4 months post intervention

Population: Participants that completed the 4 month intervention phase

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Exoskeleton + SOCImprovement on the SCI-QOL Physical Medical Health Domain in Participants Who Completed the 4 Month Intervention Phase.10 Participants
Standard of CareImprovement on the SCI-QOL Physical Medical Health Domain in Participants Who Completed the 4 Month Intervention Phase.11 Participants
p-value: 0.71795% CI: [0.54, 2.47]Chi-squared
Secondary

Manual/Digit Stimulation for Bowel Movements

Needed manual/digit stimulation for bowel movements over 7 days. Responses were collected using a 5-point Likert scale with the following options: none/never; only once; a few times; most times; every time.

Time frame: 4 months post intervention

ArmMeasureCategoryValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Exoskeleton + SOCManual/Digit Stimulation for Bowel MovementsNone/never11 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCManual/Digit Stimulation for Bowel MovementsA few times5 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCManual/Digit Stimulation for Bowel MovementsEvery time24 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCManual/Digit Stimulation for Bowel MovementsMost times4 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCManual/Digit Stimulation for Bowel MovementsOnly once1 Participants
Standard of CareManual/Digit Stimulation for Bowel MovementsEvery time32 Participants
Standard of CareManual/Digit Stimulation for Bowel MovementsNone/never11 Participants
Standard of CareManual/Digit Stimulation for Bowel MovementsOnly once3 Participants
Standard of CareManual/Digit Stimulation for Bowel MovementsA few times6 Participants
Standard of CareManual/Digit Stimulation for Bowel MovementsMost times4 Participants
Secondary

Oral Medications for Bowel Movements

Required oral medications to help with bowel movements over 7 days. Responses were collected using a 5-point Likert scale with the following options: none/never; only once; a few times; most times; every time.

Time frame: 4 months post intervention

ArmMeasureCategoryValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Exoskeleton + SOCOral Medications for Bowel MovementsOnly once1 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCOral Medications for Bowel MovementsMost times3 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCOral Medications for Bowel MovementsA few times6 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCOral Medications for Bowel MovementsEvery time13 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCOral Medications for Bowel MovementsNone/never22 Participants
Standard of CareOral Medications for Bowel MovementsEvery time16 Participants
Standard of CareOral Medications for Bowel MovementsNone/never33 Participants
Standard of CareOral Medications for Bowel MovementsOnly once3 Participants
Standard of CareOral Medications for Bowel MovementsA few times2 Participants
Standard of CareOral Medications for Bowel MovementsMost times2 Participants
Secondary

Stool Consistency

Stool consistency by the Bristol Stool Scale over 7 days. The Bristol Stool Scale classifies stools into seven groups: separate hard lumps; sausage-shaped, but lumpy; like sausage, cracks on surface; like a snake, smooth and soft; soft blobs (passed easily); fluffy pieces, a mush stool; watery, entirely liquid.

Time frame: 4 months post intervention

ArmMeasureCategoryValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Exoskeleton + SOCStool ConsistencySausage-shaped, but lumpy5 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCStool ConsistencyFluffy pieces, a mush stool7 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCStool ConsistencyWatery, entirely liquid0 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCStool ConsistencySeparate hard lumps1 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCStool ConsistencyLike sausage, cracks on surface13 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCStool ConsistencyLike a snake, smooth and soft11 Participants
Exoskeleton + SOCStool ConsistencySoft blobs (passed easily)5 Participants
Standard of CareStool ConsistencySeparate hard lumps4 Participants
Standard of CareStool ConsistencySausage-shaped, but lumpy10 Participants
Standard of CareStool ConsistencyFluffy pieces, a mush stool2 Participants
Standard of CareStool ConsistencyLike a snake, smooth and soft21 Participants
Standard of CareStool ConsistencyWatery, entirely liquid2 Participants
Standard of CareStool ConsistencySoft blobs (passed easily)2 Participants
Standard of CareStool ConsistencyLike sausage, cracks on surface14 Participants
Secondary

Total Body Fat Loss in All Randomized Participants

Number of randomized participants with a greater than or equal to 1kg of total body fat loss from Baseline Assessment to 4 Months Post Intervention

Time frame: 4 months post intervention

Population: All randomized participants

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Exoskeleton + SOCTotal Body Fat Loss in All Randomized Participants14 Participants
Standard of CareTotal Body Fat Loss in All Randomized Participants16 Participants
p-value: 0.82995% CI: [0.49, 1.79]Chi-squared
Secondary

Total Body Fat Loss in Participants Who Completed the 4 Month Intervention Phase.

Number of participants, out of those who completed the 4 month intervention phase, with a greater than or equal to 1kg of total body fat loss from Baseline Assessment to 4 Months Post Intervention

Time frame: 4 months post intervention

Population: participants who completed the 4 month intervention phase

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Exoskeleton + SOCTotal Body Fat Loss in Participants Who Completed the 4 Month Intervention Phase.14 Participants
Standard of CareTotal Body Fat Loss in Participants Who Completed the 4 Month Intervention Phase.16 Participants
p-value: 0.73895% CI: [0.61, 2.02]Chi-squared

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 5, 2026