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Clinical Investigation on the Impact on Safety, Feasibility and Usability of the Design Changes Performed on ABLE Exoskeleton Device With Spinal Cord Injured Patients in a Hospital Setting

Primary Purpose

Spinal Cord Injuries

Status
Completed
Phase
Not Applicable
Locations
Spain
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
ABLE Exoskeleton
Sponsored by
ABLE Human Motion S.L.
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional device feasibility trial for Spinal Cord Injuries focused on measuring Spinal Cord Injury, Exoskeleton, Robotics, Gait, Rehabilitation, Lower-limb, Neurorehabilitation, Paraplegia, Walking, Assistive technology, Usability, Safety, Feasibility, Multicenter

Eligibility Criteria

18 Years - 70 Years (Adult, Older Adult)All SexesDoes not accept healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

  • 18 to 70 years of age.
  • Traumatic and non-traumatic SCI.
  • SCI with Neurological Level of Injury (NLI) C5-L5 (from AIS A to AIS D).
  • Currently treated as inpatient or outpatient in the investigation center.
  • Ability to give informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • WISCI II without exoskeleton of >13
  • 5 or more risk factors for fragility as stated by Craven et al (Craven et al., 2009).
  • History of lower limb fragility fractures in the last 2 years.
  • Deterioration > 3 points of the total International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) motor score within the last 4 weeks.
  • Spinal instability.
  • Modified Ashworth scale (MAS) of 4 in lower limbs.
  • Unable to tolerate 30 min standing without clinical symptoms of orthostatic hypotension
  • Psychological or cognitive issues that do not allow a participant to follow the study procedures.
  • Known pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • Any neurological condition other than SCI.
  • Medically unstable: Unstable CVS, hemodynamic instability, untreated hypertension (SBP>140, DBP>90 mmHg), unresolved DVT, uncontrolled AD.
  • Severe comorbidities: any condition that a physician considers to not be appropriate to complete participation in the study.
  • Ongoing skin issues: Grade I or higher on EPUAP on areas that will be in contact with exoskeleton (European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, 2019).
  • Range of motion (ROM) restrictions in lower extremities, that are incompatible with the device.
  • Height, width, weight or other anatomical constraints (such as leg length differences) incompatible with the device.

Sites / Locations

  • Hospital Asepeyo Sant Cugat

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm Type

Experimental

Arm Label

Arm 1 - Treatment

Arm Description

Participants with SCI will undergo a training programme with the ABLE Exoskeleton device two times a week for five weeks for a total of 10 sessions.

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

Number and type of Adverse Events [Safety and Tolerability]
To assess safety, the number of Severe Adverse Events (SAE), Adverse Events (AE) and drop-outs due to the device will be assessed and reported.
Time and Level of Assistance (LoA) to don/doff the device
Level of Assistance (LoA) and time taken to don/doff the device will be measured in every session. LoA will be measured using a 6 item scale, from Total assistance to Independence. Different assistance levels are defined taking into account the degree of participation of both the patient and the therapist on performing the activity. This outcome measure will be used to assess the device's usability.
Level of Assistance (LoA) to complete therapy activity tasks
Four therapy activity tasks will be attempted every session by the participant. The therapist will record the LoA required to complete each task during the session. The tasks are the following: sit-to-stand, walk 10 meters, turn 180 degrees, and stand-to-sit. Different assistance levels are defined taking into account the degree of participation of both the patient and the therapist in performing the activity. This outcome measure will be used to assess the device's usability.

Secondary Outcome Measures

BORG Scale
Measurement of the perceived rate of exertion. The BORG scale measures the subjective level of intensity in physical work on a 15-grade scale. It will be measured after performing the 6 Minute Walk Test (6 MWT) with the device.
6-Minute Walk Test (6 MWT)
6 Minute Walk Test (6 MWT) measures the distance a person can walk in 6 minutes. There are different possibilities for performing this test. For this study, we will use a track of 50 meters, where patients walk back and forth.
10-Meter Walking Test (10 MWT)
The 10-Meter Walking Test (10 MWT) measures the time required to walk 10 meters. The test will be performed with a dynamic start with an acceleration distance of 2 meters, a timed 10 meters distance and a deacceleration distance of 2 meters.
Timed up and go test (TUG)
Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) measures the time it takes a person to get up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around and sit down again. It is a widely used test to assess balance and the risk of falls in different patient groups.
Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI II)
WISCI II assesses the extent and nature of assistance for walking 10 meters in persons with SCI. Assistance is specified as different combinations of braces, walking aids and physical assistance. The WISCI II consists of 20 levels from unable to walk to the ability to walk 10 meters without any assistance.
Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM III)
SCIM III scale focuses on the ability to perform activities of daily living in persons with SCI. The SCIM III consists of three subscales: Self-Care, Respiratory and Sphincter Management, Mobility (room and toilet) and Mobility (indoors and outdoors, on even surface). A total score of 0 (totally dependent) to 100 (totally independent) points can be achieved.
Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0)
Used to measure user satisfaction from participants and therapists. The Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0) is designed to measure the level of satisfaction and the value people attribute to assistive technologies. It does so using 12 variables which are scored on a 5 point scale in terms of perceived importance and satisfaction. While items 1-8 rate the satisfaction with the device, items 9-12 are for assessing the satisfaction with the service. If the users are not very satisfied with a feature, they are asked to provide specific feedback. The final score is the mean sum scores of all valid responses with a range of 1 (not satisfied at all) to 5 (very satisfied).

Full Information

First Posted
October 18, 2022
Last Updated
April 6, 2023
Sponsor
ABLE Human Motion S.L.
Collaborators
Hospital ASEPEYO Sant Cugat
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1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT05590065
Brief Title
Clinical Investigation on the Impact on Safety, Feasibility and Usability of the Design Changes Performed on ABLE Exoskeleton Device With Spinal Cord Injured Patients in a Hospital Setting
Official Title
Investigación Clínica Sobre el Impacto en la Seguridad, Viabilidad y Usabilidad de Los Cambios de diseño Realizados en el Dispositivo ABLE Exoskeleton en Pacientes Con lesión Medular en un Entorno Hospitalario
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
April 2023
Overall Recruitment Status
Completed
Study Start Date
October 19, 2022 (Actual)
Primary Completion Date
January 16, 2023 (Actual)
Study Completion Date
January 16, 2023 (Actual)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Sponsor
Name of the Sponsor
ABLE Human Motion S.L.
Collaborators
Hospital ASEPEYO Sant Cugat

4. Oversight

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product
No
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product
No
Data Monitoring Committee
No

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
The loss of the ability to walk and the associated restriction of mobility presents a major challenge to people with spinal cord injury in an everyday environment designed for pedestrians. Exoskeletal technology has the potential to help people with impaired leg function to regain ambulation and thus improve their independence. This technology is not completely new, but due to their high access price (~120k€/unit), high size and weight (~25 kg), and need for trained physiotherapist supervision, commercially available exoskeletons are only found in large hospitals and only in very few cases get into patients' homes. The company ABLE Human Motion S.L. (Barcelona, Spain) has developed a novel exoskeleton to overcome these disadvantages, which is more compact, lighter and easier to use. The primary objective of the study is to investigate the impact of recent design changes performed on the device on the safety, feasibility and usability of the ABLE exoskeleton device in people with spinal cord injury during a five to six weeks gait training programme in a clinical setting. Furthermore, potential effects of the training on walking, general health status, user satisfaction, and quality of life will be assessed.
Detailed Description
The primary objective of this study is to determine the impact of the performed design changes on safety, feasibility, and usability of the ABLE Exoskeleton for patients with SCI in a hospital setting during a 5-6 week training programme. The secondary objectives are as follows: Assess the impact of ABLE Exoskeleton training on gait and function. Assess the effect on the perceived rate of exertion for patients using the ABLE Exoskeleton. Assess the level of user satisfaction from participants and therapists of the ABLE Exoskeleton. Patients who match inclusion and exclusion criteria and pass pre-study screening will be enrolled in the study. Following the screening, baseline assessments will be conducted without the device. Participants will undergo a training programme with the ABLE Exoskeleton two times a week for five weeks for a total of 10 sessions. Standardized clinical assessments with the device will be performed during the last training sessions. During the training period, several safety and usability measurements will be taken. Two weeks after the final training session a follow-up assessment will be conducted with participants. At the end of the study, the participating therapists will be asked to fill out a satisfaction questionnaire. The primary hypothesis of this study is that the ABLE Exoskeleton remains safe, feasible, and usable for the intended patient population with SCI in a hospital setting after the implementation of the design changes improving its performance. The secondary hypothesis is that the device will have a positive impact on the perceived rate of exertion, mobility, and level of satisfaction of the study participants with SCI.

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Spinal Cord Injuries
Keywords
Spinal Cord Injury, Exoskeleton, Robotics, Gait, Rehabilitation, Lower-limb, Neurorehabilitation, Paraplegia, Walking, Assistive technology, Usability, Safety, Feasibility, Multicenter

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Device Feasibility
Study Phase
Not Applicable
Interventional Study Model
Single Group Assignment
Masking
None (Open Label)
Allocation
N/A
Enrollment
5 (Actual)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
Arm 1 - Treatment
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Participants with SCI will undergo a training programme with the ABLE Exoskeleton device two times a week for five weeks for a total of 10 sessions.
Intervention Type
Device
Intervention Name(s)
ABLE Exoskeleton
Intervention Description
The ABLE Exoskeleton is a lower-limb overground robotic exoskeleton intended for SCI patients for rehabilitation in a clinical setting.
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Number and type of Adverse Events [Safety and Tolerability]
Description
To assess safety, the number of Severe Adverse Events (SAE), Adverse Events (AE) and drop-outs due to the device will be assessed and reported.
Time Frame
Up to 8 weeks
Title
Time and Level of Assistance (LoA) to don/doff the device
Description
Level of Assistance (LoA) and time taken to don/doff the device will be measured in every session. LoA will be measured using a 6 item scale, from Total assistance to Independence. Different assistance levels are defined taking into account the degree of participation of both the patient and the therapist on performing the activity. This outcome measure will be used to assess the device's usability.
Time Frame
Up to 6 weeks
Title
Level of Assistance (LoA) to complete therapy activity tasks
Description
Four therapy activity tasks will be attempted every session by the participant. The therapist will record the LoA required to complete each task during the session. The tasks are the following: sit-to-stand, walk 10 meters, turn 180 degrees, and stand-to-sit. Different assistance levels are defined taking into account the degree of participation of both the patient and the therapist in performing the activity. This outcome measure will be used to assess the device's usability.
Time Frame
Up to 6 weeks
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
BORG Scale
Description
Measurement of the perceived rate of exertion. The BORG scale measures the subjective level of intensity in physical work on a 15-grade scale. It will be measured after performing the 6 Minute Walk Test (6 MWT) with the device.
Time Frame
Up to 6 weeks
Title
6-Minute Walk Test (6 MWT)
Description
6 Minute Walk Test (6 MWT) measures the distance a person can walk in 6 minutes. There are different possibilities for performing this test. For this study, we will use a track of 50 meters, where patients walk back and forth.
Time Frame
Up to 6 weeks
Title
10-Meter Walking Test (10 MWT)
Description
The 10-Meter Walking Test (10 MWT) measures the time required to walk 10 meters. The test will be performed with a dynamic start with an acceleration distance of 2 meters, a timed 10 meters distance and a deacceleration distance of 2 meters.
Time Frame
Up to 6 weeks
Title
Timed up and go test (TUG)
Description
Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) measures the time it takes a person to get up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around and sit down again. It is a widely used test to assess balance and the risk of falls in different patient groups.
Time Frame
Up to 6 weeks
Title
Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI II)
Description
WISCI II assesses the extent and nature of assistance for walking 10 meters in persons with SCI. Assistance is specified as different combinations of braces, walking aids and physical assistance. The WISCI II consists of 20 levels from unable to walk to the ability to walk 10 meters without any assistance.
Time Frame
Up to 6 weeks
Title
Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM III)
Description
SCIM III scale focuses on the ability to perform activities of daily living in persons with SCI. The SCIM III consists of three subscales: Self-Care, Respiratory and Sphincter Management, Mobility (room and toilet) and Mobility (indoors and outdoors, on even surface). A total score of 0 (totally dependent) to 100 (totally independent) points can be achieved.
Time Frame
Up to 6 weeks
Title
Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0)
Description
Used to measure user satisfaction from participants and therapists. The Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0) is designed to measure the level of satisfaction and the value people attribute to assistive technologies. It does so using 12 variables which are scored on a 5 point scale in terms of perceived importance and satisfaction. While items 1-8 rate the satisfaction with the device, items 9-12 are for assessing the satisfaction with the service. If the users are not very satisfied with a feature, they are asked to provide specific feedback. The final score is the mean sum scores of all valid responses with a range of 1 (not satisfied at all) to 5 (very satisfied).
Time Frame
Up to 6 weeks

10. Eligibility

Sex
All
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
18 Years
Maximum Age & Unit of Time
70 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 18 to 70 years of age. Traumatic and non-traumatic SCI. SCI with Neurological Level of Injury (NLI) C5-L5 (from AIS A to AIS D). Currently treated as inpatient or outpatient in the investigation center. Ability to give informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: WISCI II without exoskeleton of >13 5 or more risk factors for fragility as stated by Craven et al (Craven et al., 2009). History of lower limb fragility fractures in the last 2 years. Deterioration > 3 points of the total International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) motor score within the last 4 weeks. Spinal instability. Modified Ashworth scale (MAS) of 4 in lower limbs. Unable to tolerate 30 min standing without clinical symptoms of orthostatic hypotension Psychological or cognitive issues that do not allow a participant to follow the study procedures. Known pregnancy or breastfeeding. Any neurological condition other than SCI. Medically unstable: Unstable CVS, hemodynamic instability, untreated hypertension (SBP>140, DBP>90 mmHg), unresolved DVT, uncontrolled AD. Severe comorbidities: any condition that a physician considers to not be appropriate to complete participation in the study. Ongoing skin issues: Grade I or higher on EPUAP on areas that will be in contact with exoskeleton (European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, 2019). Range of motion (ROM) restrictions in lower extremities, that are incompatible with the device. Height, width, weight or other anatomical constraints (such as leg length differences) incompatible with the device.
Facility Information:
Facility Name
Hospital Asepeyo Sant Cugat
City
Sant Cugat Del Vallès
State/Province
Barcelona
ZIP/Postal Code
08174
Country
Spain

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Plan to Share IPD
No

Learn more about this trial

Clinical Investigation on the Impact on Safety, Feasibility and Usability of the Design Changes Performed on ABLE Exoskeleton Device With Spinal Cord Injured Patients in a Hospital Setting

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