Gait Disorders in Old Age
Conditions
Keywords
Wearable hip assist robot, Gait, User test, Robot gait training, Elderly
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate the userbility and satisfaction of one-off functional gait training with the Gait Enhancing and Motivating System-Hip type (GEMS-H) on locomotor function in normal adults including the elderly.
Detailed description
The GEMS-H is a hip-type assist device developed by the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology. The GEMS-H is worn around the waist and fastened at the waist and thighs by a set of belts with velcro to assist motion at the hip joints. The device weighs 2.1kg, and has 2 brushless direct current motors running on a rechargeable lithium ion battery. The normal operation time for the device is 2 hours. The GEMS-H is available in three sizes to fit various waist/hip sizes: small, medium, and large. The width of each version can be adjusted further to fit individual body size within the circumference range. Also, the thigh frames are available in three sizes (large, medium, and small) for different leg lengths. It is controlled through a custom built application on a hand held tablet.
Interventions
Training consists of 15 minutes task-specific training and 30 minutes functional gait training on varied environments with device.
Sponsors
Samsung Medical Center
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
40 Years to 85 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Healthy adults aged 40 to less than 85 years without a history of central nervous system disease
Exclusion criteria
* Those who have difficulty walking independently due to problems such as visual field defects or fractures * Those who have difficulty participating in exercise programs due to adult diseases such as uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes * Those who have difficulty understanding the exercise program due to severe cognitive decline (Korean-Mini-Mental State Examination, K-MMSE≤10) * Those who are at risk of falling while walking due to severe dizziness * Those who are less than 140 cm or more than 185 cm in height that is not suitable size for the wearing of the walking assistance robot * Those who are overweight based on body mass index (BMI) 35 or higher
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in 10 meter walk test from baseline in gait speed | Baseline, After 45minutes of functional gait training (one-time experience) | Measure of self selected speeds by measuring the time it takes an individual to walk 10 meters. To perform the test, patient walks 10 meters (33 ft) and the time is measured when the leading foot crosses the start line and the finish line. The instructions are: Please walk this distance at your normal pace when I say go. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Timed Up and Go test (TUG) from baseline in balance | Baseline, After 45minutes of functional gait training (one-time experience) | Measure of dynamic balance function. 11-20 seconds are within normal limits for frail elderly and disabled patients, and greater than 20 seconds means the person needs assistance outside and indicates further examination and intervention. A score of 30 seconds or more suggests that the person may be prone to falls. |
| Changes in Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) from baseline | Baseline, After 45minutes of functional gait training (one-time experience) | SPPB is a group of measures that combines the results of the gait speed, chair stand and balance tests. It has been used as a predictive tool for possible disability and can aid in the monitoring of function in older people. The scores range from 0 (worst performance) to 12 (best performance). The SPPB has been shown to have predictive validity showing a gradient of risk for mortality, nursing home admission, and disability. |
| Changes in Four Square Step Test (FSST) from baseline | Baseline, After 45minutes of functional gait training (one-time experience) | FSST is used to assess dynamic stability and the ability of the subject to step over low objects forward, sideways, and backward. |
| Change in 6 minute walk test (6MWT) from Baseline | Baseline, After 45minutes of functional gait training (one-time experience) | The six-minute walk test (6MWT) measures the distance an individual is able to walk over a total of six minutes on a hard, flat surface. The goal is for the individual to walk as far as possible in six minutes. The individual is allowed to self-pace and rest as needed as they traverse back and forth along a marked walkway. |
| User Satisfaction Questionnaire | After 45minutes of functional gait training (one-time experience) | We evaluate the satisfaction questionnaire for GEMS-H use. |
Countries
South Korea
Outcome results
None listed