Evaluation of a Structurally Suitable Neck Exoskeleton in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

The investigators will evaluate a new powered neck exoskeleton in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to understand whether this device allows adequate head range of motion and achieves satisfaction from users. In this small cross-sectional device feasibility study, participants will be enrolled from the ALS clinic at the University of Utah Hospital. After obtaining written consent, participants will perform tasks using the neck exoskeleton. Tasks include computerized tracking tasks and simulated activities of daily living. Breaks will be added between tasks to avoid fatigue. Head-neck kinematics will be recorded, and range of motion will be computed. Participants will also report their satisfaction of the device.

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Key information

Conditions

ALS - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Central Nervous System Diseases Metabolic Diseases Motor Neuron Disease Nervous System Diseases Neurodegenerative Diseases Neuromuscular Diseases Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Proteostasis Deficiencies Spinal Cord Diseases TDP-43 Proteinopathies

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112, United States

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Haohan Zhang, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

801-585-2536

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

ALS diagnosis and neck weakness

Exclusion criteria

Any cognitive deficits or visual impairments that would prevent from safely using the device and completing the tasks.

Treatment and study plan

powered neck exoskeleton

Device

Subjects will use the powered neck exoskeleton to control their head-neck motion to complete tasks involving head-neck motions. The neck exoskeleton will be worn and controlled by the users to assist them during tasks.

Primary outcomes

range of motion

Time frame: during the intervention (using the exoskeleton to complete tasks) approximately 1 hour

head range of motion (relative to torso) in three anatomical planes

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Haohan Zhang, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

801-585-2536

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Utah

Other

Registry information

Official study title

A Feasibility Trial to Evaluate Structural Suitability of a Robotic Neck Exoskeleton to Restore Head Movements in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Important dates

Study start: 2024
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Mar 24, 2026
Registry last updated: Mar 24, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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