Unlocking Movement Potential: Enhancing Parkinson's Disease Treatment With Robotic EksoSkeleton

Summary

The goal of this study is to see how well therapy with the Eksobionic Exoskeleton (Esko) works for people with Parkinson's disease (PWPD). Esko is a robotic device that provides high repetition and intensity training. The investigators will examine its impact on walking, balance, and quality of life before, during and after an eight-week intervention program. The results will lay the groundwork for future trials, potentially leading to long-term improvements in mobility and quality of life for PWPD.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Physician diagnosed idiopathic Parkinson's disease
2. All Hoehn and Yahr (H\&Y) stages will be eligible for inclusion in the study
3. Able to consent to participation in the research study
4. Pt agreeable to participate in 45-60 minutes of high intensity (RPE 14-17 for 30 minutes) gait training/ physical therapy.
5. Sufficient upper extremity strength to use a front wheeled walker
6. Pt to have self- reported walking/balance deficits
7. Age: Over age 18
8. Must be able to tolerate at least 15 min upright
9. Weigh 220 pounds (100kg) or less
10. Approximately between 5'0" and 6'4" tall
11. Have near normal range of motion in hips, knees, and ankles "Can you stand up and straighten your knees even for just a second?" or "Can you lay flat and straighten your knees so there is no bend in the knee?"

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Currently involved in another intervention study or physical therapy course of care
2. Concurrent neurological disease
3. Leg length discrepancy, self-reported.
4. Spinal instability
5. Unresolved deep vein thrombosis
6. Severe muscular or skeletal pain
7. Open skin ulcerations on buttocks or other body surfaces in contact with exoskeleton or harness
8. Pregnancy
9. Cognitive impairments - unable to follow 2 steps commands and communicate for pain or to stop session
10. Participant requires the assistance of more than one therapist to transfer safely.
11. Uncontrolled or severe orthostatic hypotension that limits standing tolerance; defined as sustained, symptomatic drops in systolic and diastolic blood pressure when moving from sitting to standing
12. Active heterotrophic ossification (HO), hip dysplasia or hip/knee axis abnormalities
13. Colostomy
14. History of long bone fractures secondary to osteoporosis
15. Unable to sustain current medication regimen. Participant reports change in Parkinson's Medication in the past week.
16. Any reason the therapist may deem as harmful to the participant to enroll or continue in the study

Conditions2

Locations1 site

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