Investigating the Effects of Wearable Robotic Exoskeleton for Improving Mobility and Cognition in Persons With MS

Inclusion criteria

• Be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
• Be determined by the study staff to have moderate to severe difficulty walking but still be able to walk while using the robotic exoskeleton.
• Have some difficulty thinking and problem solving as determined by my performance on a special test that I will take during the screening visit.
• Be between the ages of 18 and 75.
• Be free from flair ups of my MS Symptoms for at least one month prior to testing.
• Discuss with study staff how to maintain a constant level of my spasticity medication (for example baclofen) throughout the study.
• Be able to walk (with the use of one or more assistive device if needed).
• Have English as my primary language.
• Be able to physically fit into the exoskeleton device: height between 60 and 76", weight under 220 lbs.
• Be able to tolerate upright standing for 30 minutes with assistance if needed.
• Have normal joint range of motion for walking as determined by study staff.
• Have sufficient strength to use the hemiwalker, bilateral canes or walker while wearing the RE.
• Have stable blood pressure.
• Be willing and able to give informed consent.
• Be able and willing to comply with study procedures and follow directions and commands, verbal instructions, and follow-up requirements.

Exclusion criteria

• Have a history of head injury, stroke, seizures, or any other significant neurological history other than MS.
• Have a high degree of difficulty in thinking and problem solving that prevents me from participating in the study as determined by my performance on a special test taken during the screening visit.
• Be currently taking steroids, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, and/or neuroleptics as determined by study staff review of my medications.
• Be pregnant.
• Be completely reliant on a wheelchair.
• Have joint contracture or spasticity of any limb that limits normal range of motion during walking with assistive devices as determined by study staff.
• Have skin issues that would prevent wearing the RE.
• Have pressure sore stage 2 or higher located in an area that would negatively affect weight bearing, harness fit, or therapist assistance.
• Have orthopedic issues or history that will interfere with walking or limit the range of motion of the lower limbs (e.g., knee replacement, inflammation)
• Have been hospitalized for heart attack, heart surgery or acute heart failure within 3 months of enrollment in study.
• Have any other medical conditions that my doctor or physical therapist feels would affect my ability to use the robotic device.
• Have a pacemaker or other implanted electrical device, brain stimulator, aneurysm clip (metal clips on the wall of a large artery), metallic prostheses (including metal pins and rods, heart valves, and internal hearing aids [cochlear implants]), permanent eyeliner, implanted delivery pumps, or shrapnel fragments.
• Have dental implants- I should discuss any dental implants with the investigators.
• Have been told by my doctor that it is unsafe for me to have a regular MRI as part of my medical care.