Funded Studies
Study Rationale:
People with Parkinson's disease can have walking issues that prevent them from completing daily activities in and outside of their homes. This study uses a light, wearable robotic device designed to help people take bigger steps and walk more easily. The device has the potential to improve mobility in people with Parkinson's disease so they can complete their daily activities.
Hypothesis:
Our hypothesis is that a walking training program using the robotic device will improve mobility and reduce walking issues in Parkinson's patients.
Study Design:
People with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease will be randomly selected to be in either a treatment group or a control group. The treatment group will wear the robotic device while walking around their homes under the oversight of a physical therapist two times a week over eight weeks. The control group will continue usual care. Everyone in the study will have their walking assessed once and then again after eight weeks at the Ohio State University.
Impact on Diagnosis/Treatment of Parkinson's Disease:
The results of this study will help to determine if the robotic device can help people with Parkinson's disease to walk better and more easily in their homes. The goal is to improve mobility in the home and community for people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease.
Next Steps for Development:
If this study is successful, larger studies will be conducted to confirm the benefits of this device in people with Parkinson's disease. These studies would help in the development of a device for use by people with Parkinson's disease.