The purpose of this study is to investigate the userbility and satisfaction of functional gait training with the Gait Enhancing and Motivating System-Hip type (GEMS-H) on locomotor function in normal adults including the elderly.
The GEMS-H is a hip-type assist device developed by the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology. The GEMS-H is worn around the waist and fastened at the waist and thighs by a set of belts with velcro to assist motion at the hip joints. The device weighs 2.1kg, and has 2 brushless direct current motors running on a rechargeable lithium ion battery. The normal operation time for the device is 2 hours. The GEMS-H is available in three sizes to fit various waist/hip sizes: small, medium, and large. The width of each version can be adjusted further to fit individual body size within the circumference range. Also, the thigh frames are available in three sizes (large, medium, and small) for different leg lengths. It is controlled through a custom built application on a hand held tablet. Participants will be normal adults with community-dwelling older adults aged 19-85. Participants will be scheduled for 24 training sessions of training plus 3 sessions of testing (pre-training, mid-test after the 12 sessions of training, post-training).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
20
Training consists of 15 minutes task-specific training and 30 minutes functional gait training on varied environments with device.
Samsung Medical Center
Seoul, South Korea
Change in 10 meter walk test from baseline in gait speed
Measure of self selected speeds by measuring the time it takes an individual to walk 10 meters. To perform the test, patient walks 10 meters (33 ft) and the time is measured when the leading foot crosses the start line and the finish line. The instructions are: "Please walk this distance at your normal pace when I say go."
Time frame: session 0 (initial visit); after session 12 (at approximately 4 weeks); after session 24 (at approximately 8 weeks)
Change in Berg Balance Scale (BBS) from baseline in balance
Measure of balance function. A five-point ordinal scale, ranging from 0-4. "0" indicates the lowest level of function and "4" the highest level of function. Score the LOWEST performance. Total Score = 56.
Time frame: session 0 (initial visit); after session 12 (at approximately 4 weeks); after session 24 (at approximately 8 weeks)
Change in Timed Up and Go test (TUG) from baseline in balance
Measure of dynamic balance function. 11-20 seconds are within normal limits for frail elderly and disabled patients, and greater than 20 seconds means the person needs assistance outside and indicates further examination and intervention. A score of 30 seconds or more suggests that the person may be prone to falls.
Time frame: session 0 (initial visit); after session 12 (at approximately 4 weeks); after session 24 (at approximately 8 weeks)
Changes in Functional Reach Test (FRT) from baseline
FRT is a single item test developed as a quick screen for balance problems. Measurement Interpretation: 10"/25 cm or greater Low risk of falls; 6"/15cm to 10"/25cm Risk of falling is 2x greater than normal; 6"/15cm or less Risk of falling is 4x greater than normal; Unwilling to reach Risk of falling is 8x greater than normal.
Time frame: session 0 (initial visit); after session 12 (at approximately 4 weeks); after session 24 (at approximately 8 weeks)
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Changes in Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) from baseline
SPPB is a group of measures that combines the results of the gait speed, chair stand and balance tests. It has been used as a predictive tool for possible disability and can aid in the monitoring of function in older people. The scores range from 0 (worst performance) to 12 (best performance). The SPPB has been shown to have predictive validity showing a gradient of risk for mortality, nursing home admission, and disability.
Time frame: session 0 (initial visit); after session 12 (at approximately 4 weeks); after session 24 (at approximately 8 weeks)
Changes in Four Square Step Test (FSST) from baseline
FSST is used to assess dynamic stability and the ability of the subject to step over low objects forward, sideways, and backward.
Time frame: session 0 (initial visit); after session 12 (at approximately 4 weeks); after session 24 (at approximately 8 weeks)
Changes in EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) from baseline
EQ-5D is a standardized instrument for measuring generic health status. The EQ-5D questionnaire has two components: health state description and evaluation. In the description part, health status is measured in terms of five dimensions (5D); mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. Mobility dimension asks about the person's walking ability. Self-care dimension asks about the ability to wash or dress by oneself, and usual activities dimension measures performance in "work, study, housework, family or leisure activities". In pain/discomfort dimension, it asks how much pain or discomfort they have, and in anxiety/depression dimension, it asks how anxious or depressed they are.
Time frame: session 0 (initial visit); after session 12 (at approximately 4 weeks); after session 24 (at approximately 8 weeks)
Changes in Fall Efficacy Scale-Korean (FES-K) from baseline
FES-K is the measures of "fear of falling" or, more properly, "concerns about falling", which are suitable for use in research and clinical practice. A 10-item self-administered questionnaire designed to assess fear of falling in mainly community-dwelling older population.
Time frame: session 0 (initial visit); after session 12 (at approximately 4 weeks); after session 24 (at approximately 8 weeks)
Change in Muscle Strength from Baseline
The maximal isometric strength of the 12 muscles in lower extremity will be measured with digital muscle testing device.
Time frame: session 0 (initial visit); after session 12 (at approximately 4 weeks); after session 24 (at approximately 8 weeks)
Change in Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) from Baseline
GDS is a 15-item self-report assessment used to identify depression in the elderly. A score of 0 to 5 is normal. A score greater than 5 suggests depression.
Time frame: session 0 (initial visit); after session 12 (at approximately 4 weeks); after session 24 (at approximately 8 weeks)
Change in 6 minute walk test (6MWT) from Baseline
The six-minute walk test (6MWT) measures the distance an individual is able to walk over a total of six minutes on a hard, flat surface. The goal is for the individual to walk as far as possible in six minutes. The individual is allowed to self-pace and rest as needed as they traverse back and forth along a marked walkway.
Time frame: session 0 (initial visit); after session 12 (at approximately 4 weeks); after session 24 (at approximately 8 weeks)
User Satisfaction Questionnaire
We evaluate the satisfaction questionnaire for GEMS-H use.
Time frame: after session 12 (at approximately 4 weeks); after session 24 (at approximately 8 weeks)