Ambulatory and Non-Ambulatory Benefits of Lower Limb Exoskeleton Use, with and without FES, in Clinical and Community Settings

Abstract

This research investigates the extent to which regular walking in an exoskeleton will provide mobility, health, and recovery benefits to individuals with spinal cord injury. The research is comprised of three sub-studies. The first investigates prospective benefits while walking in an exoskeleton; the second investigates prospective additional benefits when the exoskeleton is supplement with lower limb functional electrical stimulation; and the third investigates prospective benefits during home and community use. As of this annual report, the first study is essentially complete, with a final enrollment of 22 subjects. Results from study 1 appear promising. The second study, which essentially repeats the first with supplemental FES, is ongoing, with 15 subjects either completed or under treatment (and 7 more to be enrolled). The third study is under IRB review at Johns Hopkins University, the IRB of record for the lead institution. The period of performance has been extended via a one-year no-cost extension to complete the three sub-studies.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2019
Accession Number
AD1097564

Entities

People

  • Michael Goldfarb

Organizations

  • Vanderbilt University

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biomedical Research
  • Communities
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Exoskeleton
  • Institutional Review Board
  • Local Governments
  • Medical Personnel
  • Mobility
  • Patent Applications
  • Professional Development
  • Recovery
  • Spinal Cord
  • Spinal Injuries
  • Students
  • Training
  • Universities
  • Urban Areas

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Government and Public Administration Law.
  • Neurotrauma and Rehabilitation Medicine.
  • Technical Research and Report Writing.