Evaluation of a Structurally Suitable Neck Exoskeleton in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Utah System of Higher Education (USHE)

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: ALS - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Treatments: Device: powered neck exoskeleton

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07491562

1R03HD111884-01A1 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

R03_Zhang_ALS_Neck_Brace

Details and patient eligibility

About

The investigators will evaluate a new powered neck exoskeleton in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to understand whether this device allows adequate head range of motion and achieves satisfaction from users. In this small cross-sectional device feasibility study, participants will be enrolled from the ALS clinic at the University of Utah Hospital. After obtaining written consent, participants will perform tasks using the neck exoskeleton. Tasks include computerized tracking tasks and simulated activities of daily living. Breaks will be added between tasks to avoid fatigue. Head-neck kinematics will be recorded, and range of motion will be computed. Participants will also report their satisfaction of the device.

Enrollment: 10 estimated patients

Sex: All

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• ALS diagnosis and neck weakness

Exclusion criteria

• Any cognitive deficits or visual impairments that would prevent from safely using the device and completing the tasks.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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10 participants in 1 patient group

powered neck exoskeleton

Experimental group

Treatment:

Device: powered neck exoskeleton