The Effect of a Passive Hip Exoskeleton on Daily-life Fatigue in Older Adults

NCT07359573 | Enrolling By Invitation

• 1 other identifier: RevalExo_Exoband
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 15
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This crossover study investigates whether a passive lower-limb exoskeleton (Exoband) can reduce perceived exertion during everyday mobility tasks in older adults. Participants complete the fatigue protocol- a structured sequence of daily challenging tasks (e.g., overground walking, stair and slope walking, obstacle avoidance)-once with the Exoband and once without it, in randomized order and separated by a one-week washout period. During each session, distance covered until fatigue, rate of perceived exertion, physiological and gait parameters are recorded. The aim is to determine whether exoskeleton assistance enhances mobility performance and reduces functional fatigue across older adults.

Conditions

Fatigue; Older Adults (65 Years and Older)

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Changes in the Ratings of Perceived Exertion throughout the protocol execution

  The subjective feelings of fatigue will be evaluated through the Ratings of Perceived Exertion, using the modified Borg Scale (score ranging from 0 'no exertion' to 10 'maximal exertion'). This will be expressed verbally by the participant throughout the execution of the protocol.

  Through study completion, an average of 1-2 weeks.

Secondary Outcomes (6)

• Changes in muscle activity (surface EMG) throughout the protocol execution

  Through study completion, an average of 1-2 weeks.

• Changes in heart rate (variability) (ECG sensors) throughout the protocol execution

  Through study completion, an average of 1-2 weeks.

• Changes in muscle oxygen saturation (Moxy Monitor) throughout the protocol execution

  Through study completion, an average of 1-2 weeks.

• Changes in electrodermal activity (Galvanic Skin Response - finger electrodes) throughout the protocol execution

  Through study completion, an average of 1-2 weeks.

• Changes in motion data (IMU sensors) throughout the protocol execution

  Through study completion, an average of 1-2 weeks.

Study Arms (2)

Exoband ON

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

The participants execute the fatigue protocol while wearing the passive hip exoskeletons (Exoband).

Other: Performance test; Device: Exoband

Exoband OFF

PLACEBO COMPARATOR

The participants execute the fatigue protocol without wearing the passive hip exoskeletons (Exoband).

Other: Performance test

Interventions

Exoband DEVICE

The participant will wear the Exoband (Moveo), which is a lightweight, soft wearable exoskeleton designed to assist walking by providing elastic support to the hip during gait. It uses passive elastic elements to store and release energy in sync with the user's movement, reducing muscular effort without motors or batteries. The system is unobtrusive and aims to support mobility while preserving natural movement patterns.

Exoband ON

Performance test OTHER

The participant will be asked to execute a protocol in the movement lab that induces progressive feelings of fatigue. This protocol includes a sequence of relevant functional activities, such as stair walking, slope walking, crouching, walking different path shapes. During this execution the Ratings of Perceived Exertion will be questioned, and simultaneously physiological and movement data will be collected.

Exoband OFF; Exoband ON

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 65 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• \> 65 years old
• Healthy physical condition

You may not qualify if:

• Physical injury or disorder that doesn't allow good physical performance

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Vrije Universiteit Brussel: lead

Study Sites (1)

Brubotics Rehabilitation Research Center

Jette, Brussels Capital, 1090, Belgium

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Fatigue

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Officials

• David Beckwée, PhD

  Vrije Universiteit Brussel

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 10, 2025
• First Posted: January 22, 2026
• Study Start: December 11, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): June 1, 2026
• Last Updated: January 22, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Locations

BE (1)