Modulating Locomotor-Respiratory Coupling Through Adaptive Exoskeleton Assistance in Patients With COPD

Modulating Locomotor-Respiratory Coupling Through Adaptive Exoskeleton Assistance in Patients With COPD

1) Purpose: To improve pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with COPD by evaluating the effectiveness of a hip-assisted exoskeleton during a single pulmonary rehabilitation session. 2) Eligibility criteria: Participants must be between 45-75 years old, any gender, but must have a BMI of less than 35 kg/m^2, free from co-morbidities that may affect walking patterns, and must have moderate to severe COPD with no other pulmonary or cardiac issues. (Eligible participants will undergo a screening process which includes 6-minute walking test, medical history exam, and spirometry evaluation.) 3) Intervention and evaluation: The experimental collection will be conducted at the Biomechanics Research Building at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Participants are required to participate in two sessions on two separate days, both including a 30-minute walking session with one session wearing the hip exoskeleton and the other session without the device.

Inclusion Criteria:

• COPD Diagnosis & Severity: Documented FEV1/FVC ratio of < 0.7 and a post-bronchodilator FEV1% predicted between 30% and 80% (classifying as moderate to severe COPD).
• Age Requirement: Must be between 45 and 75 years old.
• Body Mass Index (BMI): Must have a BMI of less than 35 kg/m^2.
• Medical Clearance & Screening: Must undergo post-bronchodilator spirometry, successfully pass the screening protocol, and receive formal clearance for participation from a physician.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Failing to pass the initial spirometry test.
• Not being formally cleared for participation by a physician.
• Having a diagnosed pulmonary or cardiac issue that would pose a safety hazard during the laboratory treadmill exercise trials.