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Ankle exoskeleton aims to boost mobility in seniors
NCT ID NCT06284525
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early-phase study tested whether an ankle exoskeleton that provides resistance and biofeedback can improve walking in older adults with sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss). Nine participants aged 65–85 completed the trial. Researchers measured changes in walking distance, energy use, and ankle strength. The goal is to see if wearable devices can help older people move more easily.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Ankle exoskeleton device with resistance and biofeedback
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple wearable device to help older adults walk better and reduce fall risk.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small early-phase trial with only 9 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The device may not provide meaningful benefit over standard care.
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
-
Early phase 1
The earliest testing in people: a first look at safety, in a very small group.
- Participants
-
9 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Feb 2023
- Finished
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Feb 2024
- 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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65 to 85 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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 between 65 and 85 years old, inclusive. * Must be able to understand and follow simple directions based on parent report and clinical observation during the history and physical examination. * Able to provide verbal assent, if appropriate. If the participant is non-verbal, parental interpretation of gesticulation for assent will be used. * The ability to read and understand English. * Able to walk at least 30 feet with or without a walking aid * Able to safely fit into a device configuration and tolerate assistance without knee hyperextension while walking Exclusion Criteria: * Any neurological, musculoskeletal or cardiorespiratory injury, health condition ( including pregnancy), or diagnosis that would affect the ability to walk as directed for short periods of time. Note: For elderly participants, a history of joint replacement or joint degeneration that does not impair their ability to walk safely is allowable. * Participant or parent report that the perspective participant's physician has recommended that they not engage in moderate intensity walking exercise.
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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
Locations
-
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona, 86011, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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