Can a robot help stroke survivors with HIV walk again?

NCT ID NCT04488250

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 10, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial explores whether an affordable robot can help people with HIV who have had a stroke improve their arm and leg function. Participants will use the robot for rehabilitation exercises, and researchers will measure changes in movement, balance, and quality of life. The goal is to see if this technology is practical and beneficial in settings like Botswana, where rehab access is limited.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Robot-assisted rehabilitation therapy using an affordable robotic device
What this could lead to: If successful, this could make robot-assisted rehab widely available in low-resource settings, helping stroke survivors with HIV regain mobility and independence.
What could go wrong: This is a small feasibility study, so results may not apply broadly. The robot may not be as effective as traditional therapy, and technical or acceptance issues could arise.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

AIDS stroke disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HIV/AIDS STROKE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Penn Medicine Rittenhouse

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19146, United States
University of Botswana

Gaborone, Botswana

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