NCT03980145

G-EO Gait Rehabilitation Training in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 15 (actual)
• Sponsor: Indiana University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 64 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The logistic advantages and advanced training capabilities of the G-EO System, as well as the benefits reported in other populations, support this strategy as a potentially potent rehabilitation tool for restoring and maintaining function in progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This approach represents a paradigm shifting opportunity for improving current clinical practices for patients with progressive MS. If successful, this project will provide initial evidence for increasing patient access to the G-EO System, and this could be accomplished through "regional technology centers" using a rural health-delivery approach. There are several novel aspects of the proposed trial: (1) the examination of a novel gait rehabilitation stimulus (G-EO System) that could alter current clinical practices; (2) the focus on patients with progressive MS who have gait impairment (i.e., those who have received minimal research attention), which was recently described as the greatest therapeutic challenge facing the MS community; and (3) a study design that accounts for standard therapy. Specific Aims: The investigators designed a single-blinded, randomized pilot trial of electromechanically-assisted gait training using the G-EO System in patients with progressive MS with gait disability (EDSS=4.0-7.5). Specific Aim 1 will establish the safety and feasibility of gait training using the G-EO System. Specific Aim 2 will determine the efficacy of gait training using the G-EO System for improving mobility, symptomatic, quality of life, and participatory outcomes.

Conditions

• Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	G-EO System (Reha Technology AG: Olten, Switzerland)	Electromechanically-assisted gait training addresses many of the limitations of therapist-assisted gait training and can be performed using either exoskeleton or end-effector devices. Exoskeleton devices involve programmable drives or passive elements which physically move the lower limbs, whereas, end-effector approaches involve driven footplates that have trajectories that simulate the stance and swing phases.13,14 The G-EO System (Reha Technology: Olten, Switzerland) is a novel end-effector gait training system that was developed for regaining mobility and independence in stroke survivors. This system involves minimal therapist and patient burden (e.g., quick set-up, single operate usage), there is the unique capacity for practicing walking and stair climbing movements, and the patient can receive real-time visual feedback.
OTHER	Conventional Physical Therapy	Conventional physical therapy (CPT): CPT sessions will involve a 3-5 minute warm-up, stretching, progressive strength training exercises, and gait and balance training. Additional strategies for home exercises, energy conservation, fall prevention, and appropriate assistive devices (i.e., orthotics) will be provided.

Timeline

• Start date: 2017-05-02
• Primary completion: 2020-03-01
• Completion: 2020-03-01
• First posted: 2019-06-10
• Last updated: 2022-02-14
• Results posted: 2022-02-14

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States

Regulatory

• FDA-regulated device study