Robotic rehab to enhance balance & mob in Multiple Sclerosis-Rapper 4
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Rex robot assisted rehabilitation to enhance balance and mobility for people with Multiple Sclerosis, clinical and biomarker study – RAPPER 4
IRAS ID
240267
Contact name
Mohamed Sakel
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Rex Bionics PLC
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, days
Research summary
This study aims to gain an insight into the potential health benefits of using a Rex robot to assist in a neuro-rehabilitation intervention program focused on improving balance and functional mobility with supervision from a specialist clinician. There are 3 key objectives-1. To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the Rex robotic walking device when used for rehabilitation with people who have mobility restrictions due to Multiple Sclerosis (MS), 2.To assess and evaluate the effectiveness of a 5-week robotic assisted exercise program focused on balance, walking and cardiovascular fitness, using patient related outcome measures, selected clinical scales and physiological biomarkers. 3.To gain an insight into the experiences of participants and their spouses of using the robotic walking device for rehabilitation and how this has impacted on their lives.
We will invite 20 people (aged between 18 and 80), with a primary diagnosis of MS to take part in this trial. All potential candidates will have physical balance deficits related to MS. If successful at the screening stage, then participants will be invited to take part in a five-week rehabilitation intervention program. The intervention will comprise of a once weekly Rex Robot assisted physiotherapy exercise program under the supervision of a trained neuro-physiotherapist. The aim of the program is to increase muscle strength, improve balance related skills and walking ability. Response to the intervention will be monitored closely and continuously by the trial neuro-therapist and Principal Investigator.
We will progress the participants throughout the treatment program as appropriate and use a range of standardised assessments,questionnaires,clinical scales and physiological biomarkers to measure change related to this trial.
This sample will also be invited to participate in a qualitative research study comprising 1 to 1 interviews. The spouses/partners of the people with MS will be invited to take part in 2 focus groups.REC name
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SC/0337
Date of REC Opinion
17 Aug 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion