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Enrolling by Invitation

NCT Number: NCT07359573

The Effect of a Passive Hip Exoskeleton on Daily-life Fatigue in Older Adults

This crossover study investigates whether a passive lower-limb exoskeleton (Exoband) can reduce perceived exertion during everyday mobility tasks in older adults. Participants complete the fatigue protocol- a structured sequence of daily challenging tasks (e.g., overground walking, stair and slope walking, obstacle avoidance)-once with the Exoband and once without it, in randomized order and separated by a one-week washout period. During each session, distance covered until fatigue, rate of perceived exertion, physiological and gait parameters are recorded. The aim is to determine whether exoskeleton assistance enhances mobility performance and reduces functional fatigue across older adults.

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Key information

Conditions

Fatigue Older Adults (65 Years and Older) Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

65 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Brubotics Rehabilitation Research Center

Jette, Brussels Capital, 1090, Belgium

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • > 65 years old
  • Healthy physical condition

Exclusion criteria

  • Physical injury or disorder that doesn't allow good physical performance

Treatment and study plan

Performance test

Other

The participant will be asked to execute a protocol in the movement lab that induces progressive feelings of fatigue. This protocol includes a sequence of relevant functional activities, such as stair walking, slope walking, crouching, walking different path shapes. During this execution the Ratings of Perceived Exertion will be questioned, and simultaneously physiological and movement data will be collected.

Exoband

Device

The participant will wear the Exoband (Moveo), which is a lightweight, soft wearable exoskeleton designed to assist walking by providing elastic support to the hip during gait. It uses passive elastic elements to store and release energy in sync with the user's movement, reducing muscular effort without motors or batteries. The system is unobtrusive and aims to support mobility while preserving natural movement patterns.

Primary outcomes

  1. Changes in the Ratings of Perceived Exertion throughout the protocol execution

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1-2 weeks.

    The subjective feelings of fatigue will be evaluated through the Ratings of Perceived Exertion, using the modified Borg Scale (score ranging from 0 'no exertion' to 10 'maximal exertion'). This will be expressed verbally by the participant throughout the execution of the protocol.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Changes in muscle activity (surface EMG) throughout the protocol execution

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1-2 weeks.

    Muscle activity data will be collected continuously throughout the protocol execution. Data acquisition will occur in a synchronized manner.

  2. Changes in heart rate (variability) (ECG sensors) throughout the protocol execution

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1-2 weeks.

    Cardiorespiratory data (Heart rate) will be collected continuously throughout the protocol execution. Data acquisition will occur in a synchronized manner.

  3. Changes in muscle oxygen saturation (Moxy Monitor) throughout the protocol execution

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1-2 weeks.

    Oxygen saturation data will be collected continuously throughout the protocol execution. Data acquisition will occur in a synchronized manner.

  4. Changes in electrodermal activity (Galvanic Skin Response - finger electrodes) throughout the protocol execution

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1-2 weeks.

    Electrodermal activity data will be collected continuously throughout the protocol execution. Data acquisition will occur in a synchronized manner.

  5. Changes in motion data (IMU sensors) throughout the protocol execution

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1-2 weeks.

    Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) data will be collected continuously throughout the protocol execution. Data acquisition will occur in a synchronized manner.

  6. Changes in respiratory rate (respiratory chest band) throughout the protocol execution

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1-2 weeks.

    Respiratory data will be collected continuously throughout the protocol execution. Data acquisition will occur in a synchronized manner.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Evaluating and Monitoring Physical Fatigue While Performing Functional Activities

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jan 22, 2026
Registry last updated
Jan 22, 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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