Effects of a Powered Lower-Limb Exoskeleton on Walking Performance in Older Adults

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a powered wearable lower-limb exoskeleton can improve walking performance in independently ambulatory older adults aged 65 to 75 years. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does use of a powered lower-limb exoskeleton increase comfortable walking speed over 10 meters? * Does use of a powered lower-limb exoskeleton increase average walking speed during a 400-meter walk? Researchers will compare walking performance in older adults during walking with the powered exoskeleton and walking without the device to determine whether the exoskeleton improves mobility. Young-adult reference participants will also complete walking assessments to provide reference values for walking performance. Participants will: * Attend a screening and familiarization visit. * Complete walking assessments with and without the powered exoskeleton in randomized order (older adults only). * Perform a 10-meter walk test, a 400-meter walk test, and other physical performance assessments. * Complete questionnaires about balance confidence, fear of falling, and device usability. * Be monitored for safety events during testing.

NCT Number	NCT07633093
Lead Sponsor	Hunan Normal University
Conditions	Aging, Walking, Physical Function, Mobility Limitation
Enrollment	40 participants
Start Date	2026-07-01
Primary Completion	2026-10-01 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-10-01 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-06-22