Robotic hip brace could help COPD patients breathe easier while walking
NCT ID NCT07703527
First seen Jul 14, 2026 · Last updated Jul 15, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a wearable hip exoskeleton can reduce breathlessness and improve walking efficiency in people with moderate to severe COPD. Ten participants will walk on a treadmill for 30 minutes with and without the device, while researchers measure breathing, walking patterns, and perceived effort. The goal is to see if robotic assistance can make pulmonary rehabilitation more effective.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a wearable hip exoskeleton that provides powered assistance during walking
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could make walking easier and less breathless for people with COPD, potentially improving how well pulmonary rehabilitation works.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early study with only 10 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The exoskeleton might not help, or could feel awkward or uncomfortable.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 10 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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45 to 75 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * COPD Diagnosis \& Severity: Documented FEV1/FVC ratio of \< 0.7 and a post-bronchodilator FEV1% predicted between 30% and 80% (classifying as moderate to severe COPD). * Age Requirement: Must be between 45 and 75 years old. * Body Mass Index (BMI): Must have a BMI of less than 35 kg/m\^2. * Medical Clearance \& Screening: Must undergo post-bronchodilator spirometry, successfully pass the screening protocol, and receive formal clearance for participation from a physician. Exclusion Criteria: * Failing to pass the initial spirometry test. * Not being formally cleared for participation by a physician. * Having a diagnosed pulmonary or cardiac issue that would pose a safety hazard during the laboratory treadmill exercise trials.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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UNO Biomechanics
Omaha, Nebraska, 68182, United States
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