Robotic suit helps spinal injury patients get their heart pumping

NCT ID NCT04973852

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether people with spinal cord injuries can reach a high-intensity heart rate while walking in a robotic exoskeleton. Eleven participants completed five training sessions using the Ekso device. Researchers measured heart rate, walking speed, and endurance before and after training to see if this approach could improve fitness and mobility.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Ekso exoskeleton (wearable robotic device)
What this could lead to: If this approach works, it could point toward a way to improve walking ability and cardiovascular fitness in people with spinal cord injury during inpatient rehabilitation.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early feasibility study with only 11 participants and no comparison group. Results may not apply to all people with spinal cord injury, and the device may not be suitable for everyone.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

spinal cord injury stroke disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SPINAL CORD INJURIES

Contacts and locations

Locations

NeuroRecovery Research Center at TIRR Memorial Hermann

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.