Recruiting

Using a robotic exoskeleton to help children walk better

Plain-English translation of NCT05726591 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated October 2025 · Translation generated August 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a wearable robotic device called a pediatric robotic exoskeleton (P.REX/Agilik) that helps children with movement disorders walk better. Children ages 3–17 with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, or spinal cord injury will wear the device during walking practice for 12 weeks at home. Researchers want to see if this device helps improve how well children can straighten their knees while walking, their walking speed, and their overall movement abilities.

Many children with movement disorders struggle with walking because their legs don't work the way they should. Standard physical therapy helps, but this trial wants to find out if using an advanced robotic device during walking practice at home could help children walk even better than therapy alone.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 3 and 17 years old
you have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, or incomplete spinal cord injury
you are able to walk at least 10 feet without stopping, with or without help from a walking aid
you have enough movement in your knee and ankle joints to safely wear the device
you are willing to use the device at home and complete all study visits

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had uncontrolled seizures in the past year
you are pregnant or might become pregnant during the study
you have a heart or lung condition that limits exercise to less than 60 minutes per session
you have another neurological or muscle condition besides the four listed diagnoses that would affect your walking

What participation looks like

You will first come to the clinic for training and practice with the robotic exoskeleton in a supervised setting. Then the device will go home with you for 12 weeks of daily use. Half of participants will start with the exoskeleton first, and the other half will continue their normal therapy first before switching to the exoskeleton. Throughout the study, doctors will measure your walking ability, muscle strength, and movement before treatment, at 6 weeks, and after the 12 weeks are complete.

Using a robotic exoskeleton to help children walk better

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)