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NCT Number: NCT07034521

The Feasibility and Therapeutic Effect of Hybrid End-effector Robot-assisted Gait Training With an Active-assisted Module in Chronic Stroke Survivors

Walking rehabilitation after stroke is most effective during the first three months of recovery, but even in the chronic phase-beyond six months post-stroke-a significant number of patients still show potential for gait improvement. Robot-assisted rehabilitation is becoming increasingly common in clinical settings, with various design modes available. However, the effectiveness of new products in improving gait or motor function still requires further investigation.

This study aims to evaluate the usability and therapeutic effects of a new end-effector exoskeleton robot system, HIWIN MRG-P110, for gait training in chronic stroke patients. The system uses foot pedal mechanisms to drive hip and knee movements for lower-limb training. Unlike its predecessor, this device allows adjustment of the active assistance ratio, encouraging users to engage in voluntary movement. It is designed for gait training in stroke patients and others with neurological impairments, but the usability and efficacy of this new training model remain to be verified.

This clinical trial is a randomized, single-blind, prospective study enrolling 60 stroke patients who are 6 months to 3 years post-onset and have a Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) level of 0 to 3. The study will explore how patients with varying degrees of motor weakness learn to adapt to the "active-assistive mode" in terms of speed and perception. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the active-assistive mode group or the fully passive mode group. Both groups will receive 15 treatment sessions over 5 weeks.

The study will compare the two groups in terms of:

1. Improvements in gait and balance immediately post-treatment and at 3-month follow-up 2. Changes in brain activity, as measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)

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Key information

Conditions

Stroke Brain Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cerebrovascular Disorders Nervous System Diseases Rehabilitation Robotic Rehabilitation Vascular Diseases

Age range

18 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

National Taiwan University Hospital

Taipei, Taiwan

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Dr. Chen

CONTACT

[email protected]

+88623123456 ext. 267887

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Aged between 18 and 80 years old.
  • First-ever stroke, confirmed by brain CT or MRI, with onset between 6 months and 3 years prior to enrollment.
  • Walking ability classified as Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) level 1 to level 3.
  • Prior to the current stroke, the participant was an independent community ambulator without mobility impairments.

Exclusion criteria

  • Presence of lower limb joint contractures, deformities, or severe spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale score of 4).
  • Lower limb musculoskeletal conditions causing wounds, pain, inability to bear weight, or significant leg length discrepancy (>2 cm after orthotic correction).
  • Known history of osteoporotic fractures in the thoracolumbar spine or hip joints.
  • Inability to use the exoskeleton device due to body size, including:

Body weight > 135 kg; Thigh length < 36 cm or > 48 cm; Calf length < 42 cm or > 58 cm

  • Cognitive or communication impairments that prevent understanding of study instructions or completion of questionnaires.
  • Acute infections or unstable vital signs.
  • Significant orthostatic hypotension or inability to maintain upright posture for more than 30 minutes.
  • Use of indwelling urinary catheter or tracheostomy.
  • Pregnant women.
  • Terminal illness with life expectancy less than six months.
  • Inability to attend 15 rehabilitation sessions and follow-up assessment at 3 months.

Treatment and study plan

HIWIN MRG-P110

Device

HIWIN MRG-P110 is a robotics for lower limbs rehabilitation

Primary outcomes

  1. 10 meter walk test

    Time frame: baseline, right after last session of intervension (within 1 week), 3 months after intervension

Study contacts

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

Dr. Chen

CONTACT

[email protected]

+886 23123456 ext. 267887

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

National Taiwan University Hospital

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2027
Study completion
2028
First posted
Jun 24, 2025
Registry last updated
May 19, 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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