Effect of Exoskeleton-Assisted Walking on Gait Parameters in Healthy Adults

Immediate Effects of a Single Session of Exoskeleton-Assisted Walking on Plantar Pressure Distribution and Gait Parameters in Healthy Young Adults

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT07499063

Acronym

EKSO-GAIT

Enrollment

Registered

2026-03-30

Start date

2026-05-01

Completion date

2026-08-01

Last updated

2026-03-30

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

Conditions

Gait Analysis in Healthy Subjects

Keywords

exoskeleton, gait analysis, plantar pressure, biomechanics, healthy subjects

Brief summary

This study aims to evaluate the immediate effects of a single session of exoskeleton-assisted walking on gait parameters and plantar pressure distribution in healthy young adults. Participants will undergo baseline gait assessment using a baropodometric platform, followed by a 30-minute walking session using the Ekso NR exoskeleton. Immediately after the intervention, gait assessment will be repeated. The study is designed as a single-group, pre-post experimental evaluation of biomechanical changes associated with exoskeleton use.

Detailed description

The purpose of this study is to investigate the immediate biomechanical effects of exoskeleton-assisted walking in healthy individuals. A total of 25 healthy adult participants will be recruited. After screening for eligibility, participants will complete a questionnaire and undergo baseline gait analysis using a baropodometric platform (FreeStep). Following the baseline assessment, participants will perform a 30-minute walking session using the Ekso NR wearable exoskeleton under supervision. Immediately after completing the session, gait analysis will be repeated using the same baropodometric platform. Primary outcomes will include changes in plantar pressure distribution parameters, while secondary outcomes will include changes in spatiotemporal gait parameters such as step length, cadence, and symmetry. The study is designed as a single-arm, pre-post interventional study focusing on biomechanical assessment rather than therapeutic intervention. The results will contribute to understanding the effects of exoskeleton-assisted walking on gait in healthy individuals.

Interventions

DEVICEEkso NR Exoskeleton

A wearable robotic exoskeleton used to assist walking during a supervised 30-minute session.

Study design

Allocation

Intervention model

SINGLE_GROUP

Primary purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

NONE

Intervention model description

Single-group, pre-post study design in which all participants undergo baseline assessment, followed by a single session of exoskeleton-assisted walking, and a post-intervention assessment.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

19 Years to 25 Years

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Healthy adults aged 19-25 years * No history of musculoskeletal or neurological disorders * Ability to walk independently

Exclusion criteria

* Any current injury affecting gait * Neurological or orthopedic conditions * Contraindications to exoskeleton use

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Change in plantar pressure distribution	Immediately before and immediately after intervention	Assessment of plantar pressure parameters measured using a baropodometric platform before and immediately after exoskeleton-assisted walking \[kg/cm\^2\].

Secondary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Change in spatiotemporal gait parameter	Immediately before and immediately after intervention	Evaluation of step length \[m\]

Contacts

CONTACTSebastian Glowinski, Professor

s.glowinski@pans-koszalin.pl502 684 794

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 31, 2026