G-EO Gait Rehabilitation Training in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Condition: Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
MeSH terms: Multiple Sclerosis; Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive; Sclerosis
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The logistic advantages and advanced training capabilities of the G-EO System, as well as the
      benefits reported in other populations, support this strategy as a potentially potent
      rehabilitation tool for restoring and maintaining function in progressive Multiple Sclerosis
      (MS). This approach represents a paradigm shifting opportunity for improving current clinical
      practices for patients with progressive MS. If successful, this project will provide initial
      evidence for increasing patient access to the G-EO System, and this could be accomplished
      through "regional technology centers" using a rural health-delivery approach.

      There are several novel aspects of the proposed trial: (1) the examination of a novel gait
      rehabilitation stimulus (G-EO System) that could alter current clinical practices; (2) the
      focus on patients with progressive MS who have gait impairment (i.e., those who have received
      minimal research attention), which was recently described as the greatest therapeutic
      challenge facing the MS community; and (3) a study design that accounts for standard therapy.

      Specific Aims: The investigators designed a single-blinded, randomized pilot trial of
      electromechanically-assisted gait training using the G-EO System in patients with progressive
      MS with gait disability (EDSS=4.0-7.5).

      Specific Aim 1 will establish the safety and feasibility of gait training using the G-EO
      System.

      Specific Aim 2 will determine the efficacy of gait training using the G-EO System for
      improving mobility, symptomatic, quality of life, and participatory outcomes.
    


Intervention name(s): G-EO System (Reha Technology AG: Olten, Switzerland); Conventional Physical Therapy
Intervention type(s): Device; Other
Intervention description(s): Electromechanically-assisted gait training addresses many of the limitations of therapist-assisted gait training and can be performed using either exoskeleton or end-effector devices. Exoskeleton devices involve programmable drives or passive elements which physically move the lower limbs, whereas, end-effector approaches involve driven footplates that have trajectories that simulate the stance and swing phases.13,14 The G-EO System (Reha Technology: Olten, Switzerland) is a novel end-effector gait training system that was developed for regaining mobility and independence in stroke survivors. This system involves minimal therapist and patient burden (e.g., quick set-up, single operate usage), there is the unique capacity for practicing walking and stair climbing movements, and the patient can receive real-time visual feedback.; Conventional physical therapy (CPT): CPT sessions will involve a 3-5 minute warm-up, stretching, progressive strength training exercises, and gait and balance training. Additional strategies for home exercises, energy conservation, fall prevention, and appropriate assistive devices (i.e., orthotics) will be provided.
Other intervention name(s): Electromechanically-assisted gait training; Robotic end-effector gait training system
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Investigator)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Robotics; Gait Training