Exoskeleton-Assisted Mobility in Aging and in Parkinson's Disease

Summary

This study will evaluate whether a wearable robotic exoskeleton can improve mobility, balance, and walking in healthy older adults and in individuals living with Parkinson's disease, populations at high risk of falls and mobility limitations. Participants will attend two laboratory sessions. The first session includes clinical assessments, fitting and familiarization with the exoskeleton, and interviews to explore user perceptions. The second session involves performing functional mobility tasks (e.g., walking, standing, turning) with and without the exoskeleton and under different assistance levels, while movement is measured using wearable sensors. The study will assess the immediate effects of the exoskeleton on mobility, compare assistance levels, identify which participants benefit most, and explore user experience and acceptability. Findings will help inform the development and implementation of assistive technologies to support mobility in healthy aging and in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Eligibility

Participants with Parkinson's disease

Inclusion Criteria:

* Ability to walk for at least 30 minutes with or without minimal aid
* Diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease
* Hoehn and Yahr stage 1 to 4

Exclusion Criteria:

* Height smaller than 152 cm
* Severe vascular conditions of the lower limbs that may limit mobility or pose a risk.
* Presence of any implantable or external life-sustaining medical device such as a pacemaker
* Severe osteoporosis or high risk of fractures
* Contra-indication to the required physical effort
* Severe cognitive impairment (MoCA \< 21)
* Presence of neurological disorders, lower-limb injuries, or other conditions interfering with mobility, other than Parkinson's disease.

Healthy elderly participants without Parkinson's disease

Inclusion Criteria:

* Ability to walk for at least 30 minutes with or without minimal aid
* Age ≥ 65 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

* Height smaller than 152 cm
* Severe vascular conditions of the lower limbs that may limit mobility or pose a risk.
* Presence of any implantable or external life-sustaining medical device such as a pacemaker
* Severe osteoporosis or high risk of fractures
* Contra-indication to the required physical effort
* Severe cognitive impairment (MoCA \< 21)
* Presence of neurological disorders, lower-limb injuries, or other conditions interfering with mobility

Conditions3

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