Robot-assisted Ankle Rehabilitation for Multiple Sclerosis (Anklebot)
Overview
- Phase
- Phase 1
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Sponsor
- US Department of Veterans Affairs
- Enrollment
- 10
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Strength and Gait
- Status
- Terminated
- Last Updated
- 12 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The presence of foot drop limits normal gait. Our prior data has suggested that approximately 30% of MS patients have foot drop. Although we have observed that "task-specific" rehabilitation using the Lokomat can improve ambulation in chronic MS patients, subjects with "foot drop" have difficulty translating task-specific training to normative gait patterns over ground, despite improving speed and endurance.
One of the key limitations of the Lokomat is a lack of robot-assisted training for the ankle joint. The Anklebot, an MIT-developed rehabilitation robot for the ankle, has the potential to address this. The device can move throughout three planes and train ankle flexion, extension, inversion and eversion; however, therapy with the Anklebot alone does not train the knee or hip.
We plan to test whether subject foot drop and overall gait benefit more from Anklebot therapy alone or a combination of Anklebot and Lokomat.
Investigators
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Clinical diagnosis of MS by McDonald criteria (McDonald, Compston et al. 2001). EDSS level between 3.5-5.5, who report ambulation problems.
- •Men and women between the ages 18-75 years.
- •Presence of unilateral foot drop that is clinically apparent to the PI or PI designate.
- •Must be able to ambulate 25 feet without an assisting device
Exclusion Criteria
- •Cardiovascular: recent MI \< 4 wk, uncontrolled HTN \>190/110 mmHg, History of uncontrolled diabetes.
- •Symptoms of orthostasis when standing up.
- •Circulatory problems, history of vascular claudication or pitting edema.
- •Unable to fully understand instructions in order to use the equipment or the process of the study.
- •Body weight over 150 kg.
- •Lower extremity injuries that limit range of motion or function.
- •Joint problems (hip or leg) that limit range of motion or cause pain with movement despite treatment.
- •Unstable fractures.
- •Pressure sores with any skin breakdown in areas in contact with the body harness or Lokomat apparatus.
- •Chronic and ongoing alcohol or drug abuse.
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Strength and Gait
Time Frame: 6 months