Robotic walking suit may awaken the brain after severe injury
NCT ID NCT07709559
First seen Jul 16, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study explores whether walking with an overground robotic exoskeleton can increase behavioral responsiveness and brain activity in adults with disorders of consciousness after a severe brain injury. Participants, aged 18 to 70 and in a coma, unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, or minimally conscious state, will complete six sessions over two weeks that may include lying down, sitting, standing, and walking with the device. Researchers will measure responsiveness using the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised and brain activity with EEG to see if upright walking offers unique benefits.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- overground robotic exoskeleton (ORE) device
- What this could lead to
- If walking with a robotic exoskeleton boosts responsiveness, it could point toward a new therapy to help people with disorders of consciousness regain awareness.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-stage study with only 18 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The intervention is also complex and may not be safe or tolerable for all patients.
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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.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02129, United States
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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