Pilot Study of Powered Exoskeleton Use for Gait Rehabilitation in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis

Pilot Study of Powered Exoskeleton Use for Gait Rehabilitation in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis

The investigator plans to test the use of the Ekso Bionics® Gait Training (Ekso GT™) exoskeleton for gait training in MS patients. The device will solely be used in the clinic under direct supervision from a physical therapist. This is a small PI-initiated uncontrolled pilot study to gather safety and feasibility data on the exoskeleton in individuals with MS and walking impairment.

Powered exoskeletons are approved by the FDA to assist in the rehabilitation of persons with spinal cord injury and post-stroke hemiplegia. The investigator is aware of only one pilot study of a powered exoskeleton (ReWalk®) in multiple sclerosis (MS) which demonstrated some improvements in sitting, standing and walking posture when used consistently. The investigator is not aware of any study of the Ekso GT™ exoskeleton in MS.

This is a feasibility and safety study of using the Ekso GT™ exoskeleton for gait training in patients with relapsing or progressive MS and severe mobility limitations (EDSS 5-5 - 7.5). Preliminary efficacy outcomes on gait and walking will also be collected for the purpose of designing a larger clinical trial of the Ekso GT™ exoskeleton for gait training in patients with MS.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of MS per 2017 revised McDonald criteria
• EDSS score 5.5-7.5 (moderate to severe walking disability)
• Cleared for gait training with the study device by the study treating physician

Device-Specific Criteria

• Involved in a standing program or must be able to tolerate at least 15 min upright without signs or symptoms of orthostatic hypotension
• Weigh 220 pounds (100kg) or less
• Be able to fit into the Ekso device:
• Between approximately 5'0" and 6'4" tall (really depends on leg measurements)
• Sufficient diaphragmatic strength such that respiration is not compromised with exercise

Assessed by physical therapy:

• Standing hip width of approximately 18" or less
• Have near normal range of motion(ROM) in hips, knees and ankles
• Sufficient upper extremity strength to use a front wheeled walker by manual muscle testing (minimum triceps strength bilaterally of 3/5, shoulder abduction and flexion/extension of 4/5 OR as discussed during demo, 2 normally functioning limbs such as in hemiplegia)

Exclusion Criteria:

• • MS exacerbation, severe acute comorbidity or surgery less than 90 days prior to enrollment

  • Diagnosed with osteoporosis or history of long bone fractures since diagnosis
  • Safety concern due to neurologic impairments (e.g. upper extremity weakness, visual loss) or comorbidities (e.g. cardiac, respiratory)
  • Other neurologic or non-neurologic condition interfering with walking
  • < 1 month since previous intensive gait training regimen or initiation of treatment that can affect walking (e.g. medication for spasticity)
  • Planned change in medications that may affect walking during the study period
  • Uncontrolled or severe orthostatic hypotension that limits standing tolerance
  • Active heterotrophic ossification (HO), hip dysplasia, or uncontrolled hip/knee axis abnormalities
  • Score <22 on the Mini-Mental State Examination or deemed to have cognitive impairment precluding safe training with the device during the screening and training process
  • Colostomy
  • Pregnancy
  • Unresolved deep vein thrombosis
  • Uncontrolled autonomic dysreflexia
  • Currently involved in another rehabilitation study

Assessed by physical therapy:

• Severe spasticity that prevents joint motion (severe stiffness or rigidity) in proximal lower extremity muscles, including hip adductors and knee flexors/extensors.
• Hip flexion contracture greater than ~17°
• Knee flexion contracture greater than 12°
• Unable to achieve neutral ankle dorsiflexion with passive stretch (achieve neutral with up to 12° knee flexion)
• Leg length discrepancy greater than 0.5" for upper leg, greater than 0.75" for lower leg
• Spinal instability
• Severe muscular or skeletal pain
• Open skin ulcerations on buttocks or other body surfaces in contact with exoskeleton or harness
• Shoulder extension range of motion(ROM) < 50° excludes using crutches during sit to stand or vice versa. (Walking with crutches permitted, sit <> stand would be done with walker