Effects of Powered Hip Flexion Device in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Powered Hip Flexion Orthosis (Hypershell X).
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Relapsing Remitting. Basic parameters: 18 years — 80 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- United States
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Official title
The Effects of a Powered Hip Flexion Orthosis on Gait in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: a Case Series
Overview
The purpose of this study is to assess the immediate effects of a commercially available non-FDA regulated powered hip flexion assist device (Hypershell X, Shenzhen, China) on walking ability in persons with MS. The main question it aims to answer is: Does a powered hip flexion device provide immediate improvements in walking ability over short distances for people with MS?
Detailed description
Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently experience problems with walking that may include difficulty with advancing the leg during the swing phase of gait which can lead to a loss of independence and a higher risk of falls. To improve walking ability in this population, devices such as ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) and functional electrical stimulation (FES) are commonly used. However, recent advances in technology and robotics have led to the development of affordable and commercially available battery powered exoskeletons marketed towards improving activities such as hiking, running and cycling. There is emerging but limited evidence that hip flexion-assisting devices can modify kinematics and muscle activity during gait in people with MS, with several small-scale studies showing tolerability and shifts toward more normal hip motion during walking. However, there are no studies on the use of new commercially available powered hip flexion assist devices. Therefore, the purpose of this case series is to assess the immediate effects on walking ability of a commercially available, non-FDA regulated, powered hip flexion assist device (Hypershell X, Shenzhen, China).
Interventions
- Device Powered Hip Flexion Orthosis (Hypershell X)
Participants will perform a series of 10 meters walks while wearing the hip flexion assist device under the following conditions. 1) No assistance (passive mode) 2) 25% power assistance 3) 50% power assistance 4) 75% power assistance During the trial subjects will wear motion sensors that provide the following gait parameters: speed, step and stride length, foot clearance, foot angle at heel strike, circumduction, single and double support time.
Primary outcome measures
- Gait speed [Time frame: Day 1 (immediate effect of device use)]
- Foot clearance [Time frame: Day 1 (immediate effect of device use)]
Secondary outcome measures (3)
- Step length [Time frame: Day 1 (immediate effect of device use)]
- Circumduction [Time frame: Day 1 (immediate effect of device use)]
- Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0) [Time frame: Day 1 (immediate effect of device use)]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Age 18-80
- Diagnosis of relapsing remitting, primary progressive or secondary progressive MS
- Unilateral or bilateral hip flexion weakness (Manual muscle testing score of 3 or less)
- Ability to walk at least 30 meters without requiring rest and without physical support or assistance from another person.
- Waist circumference 26-48", Height 5 '- 6'2", Weight 100-230lbs
Exclusion criteria
- Prior regular use of a hip flexion orthosis within the past 6 months.
- Cognitive or communication deficits that would limit ability to participate safely.
- Significant pain or deformity of the lower extremities that could impact walking ability.
- Severe spasticity (Modified Ashworth Score of 3 or 4) of the hips or lower extremities that could impact walking ability.
- Any other neurological conditions that may affect gait.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- N/A
- Model
- Single group
- Masking
- Open label
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
United States · 1 center
- University of Dayton — Dayton
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07724093 · IRB-FY2026-240