A motorized hip brace may help MS patients walk better — small study puts it to the test
NCT ID NCT07724093
First seen Jul 23, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a powered hip-flexion device called Hypershell X can immediately improve walking in people with multiple sclerosis who have hip weakness. Ten participants will walk short distances with the device set to different levels of assistance. Researchers will measure speed, step length, foot clearance, and user satisfaction to see if the device offers any benefit.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a powered hip flexion orthosis (Hypershell X) that assists leg movement during walking
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this device could offer a non-drug way to improve walking ability for people with MS-related hip weakness.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small case series (10 people) testing only immediate effects over short distances. The device is not FDA-regulated, and benefits may not last or apply to all MS patients.
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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Jul 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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May 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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18 to 80 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: * Age 18-80 * Diagnosis of relapsing remitting, primary progressive or secondary progressive MS * Unilateral or bilateral hip flexion weakness (Manual muscle testing score of 3 or less) * Ability to walk at least 30 meters without requiring rest and without physical support or assistance from another person. * Waist circumference 26-48", Height 5 '- 6'2", Weight 100-230lbs Exclusion Criteria: * Prior regular use of a hip flexion orthosis within the past 6 months. * Cognitive or communication deficits that would limit ability to participate safely. * Significant pain or deformity of the lower extremities that could impact walking ability. * Severe spasticity (Modified Ashworth Score of 3 or 4) of the hips or lower extremities that could impact walking ability. * Any other neurological conditions that may affect gait.
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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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University of Dayton
Dayton, Ohio, 45469, United States
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