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Exoskeletal-Assisted Walking in SCI Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation

The Effects of Incorporated Exoskeletal-Assisted Walking in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT04221373
Enrollment
32
Registered
2020-01-09
Start date
2019-09-30
Completion date
2022-09-13
Last updated
2023-12-26

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

Conditions

Inpatient, Spinal Cord Injuries

Keywords

Rehabilitation, Walking, Exoskeletons

Brief summary

The purpose of this research study is to test the effect of early exoskeletal-assisted walking (EAW) training (combined into regular acute inpatient rehabilitation (AIR)) on improving functional recovery and reducing pain and inflammation. Powered exoskeletons are a technology that offer standing and walking for certain persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) who meet the using indication of the device and have been used in the chronic SCI population with positive benefits in ability to move, daily function (such as bathing and dressing), body composition (such as lean and fat tissue mass), and quality of life (QOL). Despite the potential for EAW to promote functional recovery and reduce secondary medical complications (such as urinary tract infections and pain), no reports exist on the use of exoskeletons in AIR.

Detailed description

People with spinal cord injury (SCI) can have an abrupt loss of upright mobility, function and physical activity. Inflammation and pain are reported to be increased, with negative impacts on quality of life. Powered exoskeletons are a technology that offer standing and walking for eligible persons with SCI and have predominantly been used in the chronic SCI population with positive benefits in mobility, function, body composition, and quality of life (QOL). Despite the potential for exoskeletal-assisted walking (EAW) to promote functional recovery and mitigate secondary medical complications, no reports exist on the use of exoskeletons in acute inpatient rehabilitation (AIR). The goal of this study is to test the effect of early EAW training (incorporated into regular AIR) on accelerating functional recovery and reducing pain and inflammation. A total of 30 people with non-progressive SCI (≥18 years; \<6 months after SCI), who are clinically eligible for gait training during AIR, will be randomly assigned into one of two groups (15 participants/group, stratified evenly for traumatic and non-traumatic SCI). The intervention group will receive gait training with an Ekso powered exoskeleton, incorporated into usual 3-hour AIR (AIR with EAW group). The control group will have usual 3-hour AIR, but without using an exoskeleton (AIR only group). Motor function, functional activities, pain and inflammation will be assessed after enrollment in the study and before discharge from AIR. The intervention group is expected to have significantly better outcomes compared with the control group. The impact of successful completion of this study would increase knowledge of the effect of using EAW during acute/subacute AIR. The expected outcome of this study is that exoskeletal-assisted walking during AIR will have significantly greater effects on mitigating some of the secondary consequences of paralysis from SCI during the early phases of recovery and rehabilitation.

Interventions

DEVICEEkso™ powered exoskeleton

Powered exoskeletal-assisted walking (EAW) for early training

OTHERStandard of care

Participants will receive standard of care of acute inpatient rehabilitation.

Sponsors

New York State Department of Health
CollaboratorOTHER_GOV
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)

Masking description

The outcome assessors are not part of intervention. They will not know which group participants will be in.

Intervention model description

A two-group, single blinded (raters are not part of intervention) and randomized clinical trial (RCT) with stratification for traumatic or non-traumatic injury will be performed. A total of 30 people with non-progressive SCI, who are over 18 years and eligible for locomotor training as part of acute inpatient rehabilitation (AIR) will be randomized. We expect to recruit, consent, and screen 40 people to accommodate a 25% drop-out rate due to unpredictability during inpatient stay for a target sample of 30 participants to complete the protocol. Eligible participants will be randomized into either the intervention group or the control group. Each group will have 15 participants stratified for 7 having traumatic and 8 having non-traumatic etiologies

Eligibility

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

Inclusion criteria

* Age 18 years or greater * Height between 5'2 and 6'2 (1.6 meters to 1.9 meters) * Weight less than 220 pounds (100 kilograms) * Hip: 5 degrees of extension; 110 of flexion * Knee: Full extension to 110 of flexion * Ankle: at least 0 of dorsiflexion to 25 of plantarflexion * Are eligible for locomotor training as part of inpatient rehabilitation * Independent with static sitting balance * Sufficient function upper extremity strength to manage walking aid (front-wheeled walker, platform walker, or crutches) * Able to follow directions

Exclusion criteria

* Uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions (i.e. heart failure, angina, hypertension) * Inability to stand upright due to orthostatic hypotension * Any form of progressive SCI as defined by the physician, such as cancers * Body characteristics that do not fit within exoskeleton limits * Upper leg length discrepancy \> 0.5 or lower leg discrepancy \>0.75 * Skin integrity issues in areas that would contact the device or that would likely be made worse by device use * Pregnancy * Colostomy * Mechanical ventilation * Non-English Speaking * The participant is able to walk better with exoskeleton assistance at baseline * Any other issue that might prevent safe standing or walking

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) Version III ScoresBaseline and before discharge from acute inpatient rehabilitation (average 2-3 weeks)Functional activities will be assessed using Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) scores evaluated by clinicians. Full Scale range from 0-100, higher score indicates more independence. Each subscale score is evaluated within the 100-point scale (self-care: 0-20; respiration and sphincter (R & S) management: 0-40; mobility: 0-40)

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)Baseline and before discharge from acute inpatient rehabilitation (average 2-3 weeks)Motor and sensory function was assessed by a physiatrist using the International Standards 152 for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) to determine a total motor score (TMS, ranges from 0 to 100), upper extremity motor score (UEMS, ranges from 0 to 50), lower extremity motor score (LEMS, ranges from 0 to 50), total light touch score (TLTS, ranges from 0 to 112), total pin prick score (TPPS, ranges from 0 to 112), and total sensory score (TSS, ranges from 0 to 224). Higher score indicates better function.
Change in International Spinal Cord Injury Basic Pain Data Set (ISCIBPDS) 2.0Baseline and at discharge from acute inpatient rehabilitation (average 2-3 weeks)Change in International Spinal Cord Injury Basic Pain Data Set (ISCIBPDS) 2.0 contains critical questions about clinically relevant information concerning SCI-related pain during the last 7 days, including pain intensity, the influence of pain on daily activities, mood, and sleep between admission and discharge. Full scale from 0-10, higher score indicates more pain.
Number of Participants With Neuropathic PainBaseline and discharge from acute inpatient rehabilitation (average 2-3 weeks)Number of participants with neuropathic pain as measured by the Spinal Cord Injury Pain Instrument (SCIPI). Spinal Cord Injury Pain Instrument (SCIPI) is a tool used to classify pain after SCI using 4 questions. It can be easily used by clinicians in every clinical setting to identify the pain classifications, including neuropathic, nociceptive, neither or unknown. Full scale from 0 to 4, a score of 1 or more than 1 indicates probable neuropathic pain.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training Group
Participants will receive locomotor training provided with an Ekso™ powered exoskeleton according to the standard of care of AIR at Mount Sinai Hospital with the exception that the EAW training will be incorporated into the designated therapy times (3 hours of physical therapy (PT) and/or occupational therapy (OT)) which will be provided as determined by the clinical team from the earliest time they are identified to be able to safely stand, through discharge. The goal of EAW intervention is to complete three or more sessions of EAW training a week during the AIR period (after enrolling into the study until discharge). Ekso™ powered exoskeleton: Powered exoskeletal-assisted walking (EAW) for early training Standard of care: Participants will receive standard of care of acute inpatient rehabilitation.
16
Standard of Care Group
Participants will receive standard of care of acute inpatient rehabilitation which includes three hours of physical therapy and/or occupational therapy per day until they are discharged. Standard of care: Participants will receive standard of care of acute inpatient rehabilitation.
12
Total28

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001
Overall StudyPhysician Decision40

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicTotalExoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupStandard of Care Group
Age, Continuous46.3 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 18
45.8 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 18.3
46.8 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 18.3
ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS)
A - Complete
7 Participants3 Participants4 Participants
ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS)
B - Sensory Incomplete
6 Participants4 Participants2 Participants
ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS)
C - Motor Incomplete
15 Participants9 Participants6 Participants
Etiology
non-traumatic
6 Participants3 Participants3 Participants
Etiology
traumatic
22 Participants13 Participants9 Participants
Inpatient Stay Days47.4 days
STANDARD_DEVIATION 19.9
51.6 days
STANDARD_DEVIATION 18.7
41.8 days
STANDARD_DEVIATION 21
Neurological Level of Injury (NLI)
cervical
12 Participants7 Participants5 Participants
Neurological Level of Injury (NLI)
lumbar
7 Participants4 Participants3 Participants
Neurological Level of Injury (NLI)
thoracic
9 Participants5 Participants4 Participants
Race and Ethnicity Not Collected0 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
9 Participants6 Participants3 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
19 Participants10 Participants9 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 160 / 12
other
Total, other adverse events
5 / 160 / 12
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 160 / 12

Outcome results

Primary

Change in Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) Version III Scores

Functional activities will be assessed using Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) scores evaluated by clinicians. Full Scale range from 0-100, higher score indicates more independence. Each subscale score is evaluated within the 100-point scale (self-care: 0-20; respiration and sphincter (R & S) management: 0-40; mobility: 0-40)

Time frame: Baseline and before discharge from acute inpatient rehabilitation (average 2-3 weeks)

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) Version III ScoresMobility subscore, baseline1.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.4
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) Version III ScoresTotal score before discharge, 2-3 weeks54.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 13.8
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) Version III ScoresR&S management subscore before discharge, 2-3 weeks26.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.6
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) Version III ScoresSelf-care subscore, baseline5.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.7
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) Version III ScoresMobility subscore, before discharge, 2-3 weeks14.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.7
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) Version III ScoresSelf-care subscore, before discharge, 2-3 weeks14.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.9
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) Version III ScoresTotal score, baseline18.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.4
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) Version III ScoresR&S management subscore, baseline11.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.7
Standard of Care GroupChange in Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) Version III ScoresMobility subscore, before discharge, 2-3 weeks11.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.9
Standard of Care GroupChange in Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) Version III ScoresR&S management subscore, baseline18.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 8
Standard of Care GroupChange in Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) Version III ScoresR&S management subscore before discharge, 2-3 weeks25.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 8.1
Standard of Care GroupChange in Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) Version III ScoresMobility subscore, baseline1.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.9
Standard of Care GroupChange in Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) Version III ScoresTotal score, baseline27.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 12.3
Standard of Care GroupChange in Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) Version III ScoresTotal score before discharge, 2-3 weeks50.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 20
Standard of Care GroupChange in Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) Version III ScoresSelf-care subscore, baseline7.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.9
Standard of Care GroupChange in Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) Version III ScoresSelf-care subscore, before discharge, 2-3 weeks12.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.9
Comparison: SCIM Total Scorep-value: <0.01Mixed Models Analysis
Comparison: SCIM Total Scorep-value: 0.03Mixed Models Analysis
Comparison: SCIM R \& S scoresp-value: 0.01Mixed Models Analysis
Comparison: SCIM R \& S scoresp-value: <0.01Mixed Models Analysis
Secondary

Change in International Spinal Cord Injury Basic Pain Data Set (ISCIBPDS) 2.0

Change in International Spinal Cord Injury Basic Pain Data Set (ISCIBPDS) 2.0 contains critical questions about clinically relevant information concerning SCI-related pain during the last 7 days, including pain intensity, the influence of pain on daily activities, mood, and sleep between admission and discharge. Full scale from 0-10, higher score indicates more pain.

Time frame: Baseline and at discharge from acute inpatient rehabilitation (average 2-3 weeks)

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in International Spinal Cord Injury Basic Pain Data Set (ISCIBPDS) 2.0Average worst pain intensity4.9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.6
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in International Spinal Cord Injury Basic Pain Data Set (ISCIBPDS) 2.0Worst pain interference with day-to-day activities2.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.9
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in International Spinal Cord Injury Basic Pain Data Set (ISCIBPDS) 2.0Worst pain interference with overall mood3.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.7
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in International Spinal Cord Injury Basic Pain Data Set (ISCIBPDS) 2.0Worst pain interference with sleep3.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4
Standard of Care GroupChange in International Spinal Cord Injury Basic Pain Data Set (ISCIBPDS) 2.0Worst pain interference with sleep3.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.5
Standard of Care GroupChange in International Spinal Cord Injury Basic Pain Data Set (ISCIBPDS) 2.0Average worst pain intensity3.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.4
Standard of Care GroupChange in International Spinal Cord Injury Basic Pain Data Set (ISCIBPDS) 2.0Worst pain interference with overall mood2.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.2
Standard of Care GroupChange in International Spinal Cord Injury Basic Pain Data Set (ISCIBPDS) 2.0Worst pain interference with day-to-day activities2.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.3
Comparison: Average worst pain intensityp-value: 0.485Mixed Models Analysis
Comparison: Average worst pain intensityp-value: 0Mixed Models Analysis
Comparison: Worst pain interference with day-to-day activitiesp-value: 0.832Mixed Models Analysis
Comparison: Worst pain interference with day-to-day activitiesp-value: 0.033Mixed Models Analysis
Comparison: Worst pain interference with overall moodp-value: 0.692Mixed Models Analysis
Comparison: Worst pain interference with overall moodp-value: 0.005Mixed Models Analysis
Comparison: Worst pain interfered with sleepp-value: 0.946Mixed Models Analysis
Comparison: Worst pain interference with sleepp-value: 0.0002Mixed Models Analysis
Secondary

Change in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)

Motor and sensory function was assessed by a physiatrist using the International Standards 152 for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) to determine a total motor score (TMS, ranges from 0 to 100), upper extremity motor score (UEMS, ranges from 0 to 50), lower extremity motor score (LEMS, ranges from 0 to 50), total light touch score (TLTS, ranges from 0 to 112), total pin prick score (TPPS, ranges from 0 to 112), and total sensory score (TSS, ranges from 0 to 224). Higher score indicates better function.

Time frame: Baseline and before discharge from acute inpatient rehabilitation (average 2-3 weeks)

Population: Some participants had missing data because they rejected conducting the full ISNCSCI sensory test.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)LEMS, before discharge, 2-3 weeks24.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 12.4
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)Total Motor Score (TMS), baseline44.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 17.5
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)TLTS, baseline78.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 15.5
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)TLTS, before discharge, 2-3 weeks90.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 16.9
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)TPPS, baseline70.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 23.9
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)Upper extremity motor score, before discharge, baseline35.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 15.9
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)TPPS, before discharge, 2-3 weeks84.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 16.6
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)TMS before discharge, 2-3 weeks66.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 13.1
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)TSS, baseline144.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 37.1
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)UEMS, before discharge, 2-3 weeks42.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.9
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)TSS, before discharge, 2-3 weeks170.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 32.5
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)Lower extremity motor score (LEMS), baseline8.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.3
Standard of Care GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)TSS, before discharge, 2-3 weeks155.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 60.4
Standard of Care GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)Total Motor Score (TMS), baseline51.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 16.5
Standard of Care GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)TMS before discharge, 2-3 weeks59.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 15.1
Standard of Care GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)TLTS, baseline80.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 24.6
Standard of Care GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)Lower extremity motor score (LEMS), baseline10.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.8
Standard of Care GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)LEMS, before discharge, 2-3 weeks17.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 11.6
Standard of Care GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)Upper extremity motor score, before discharge, baseline40.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 14.6
Standard of Care GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)UEMS, before discharge, 2-3 weeks42.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 12.4
Standard of Care GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)TLTS, before discharge, 2-3 weeks80.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 27.6
Standard of Care GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)TPPS, baseline72.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 30.1
Standard of Care GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)TPPS, before discharge, 2-3 weeks76.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 30.4
Standard of Care GroupChange in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI)TSS, baseline151.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 56.1
Comparison: TLTSp-value: 0.02Mixed Models Analysis
Comparison: LEMSp-value: 0.02Mixed Models Analysis
Comparison: TLTSp-value: 0.05Mixed Models Analysis
Comparison: LEMSp-value: <0.01Mixed Models Analysis
Comparison: UEMSp-value: 0.04Mixed Models Analysis
Comparison: UEMSp-value: <0.01Mixed Models Analysis
Comparison: TMSp-value: <0.01Mixed Models Analysis
p-value: <0.01Mixed Models Analysis
Secondary

Number of Participants With Neuropathic Pain

Number of participants with neuropathic pain as measured by the Spinal Cord Injury Pain Instrument (SCIPI). Spinal Cord Injury Pain Instrument (SCIPI) is a tool used to classify pain after SCI using 4 questions. It can be easily used by clinicians in every clinical setting to identify the pain classifications, including neuropathic, nociceptive, neither or unknown. Full scale from 0 to 4, a score of 1 or more than 1 indicates probable neuropathic pain.

Time frame: Baseline and discharge from acute inpatient rehabilitation (average 2-3 weeks)

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupNumber of Participants With Neuropathic PainBaseline3 Participants
Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Training GroupNumber of Participants With Neuropathic Paindischarge from acute inpatient rehabilitation (average 2-3 weeks)1 Participants
Standard of Care GroupNumber of Participants With Neuropathic PainBaseline4 Participants
Standard of Care GroupNumber of Participants With Neuropathic Paindischarge from acute inpatient rehabilitation (average 2-3 weeks)1 Participants
Comparison: Baselinep-value: 0.554Chi-squared
Comparison: discharge from acute inpatient rehabilitation (average 2-3 weeks)p-value: 0.949Chi-squared

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026