NCT07652437 · Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Study of Wearable Interventions for Improving Mobility of Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis
What this study is about
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) affects an estimated 654 million people over age 40 world-wide. In the United States, approximately 16% of adults over the age of 40 have knee OA. Pain, activity limitations and disability are common symptoms. Exercise is widely recommended as a non-invasive, first line strategy for people with knee OA.
View original scientific description
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) affects an estimated 654 million people over age 40 world-wide. In the United States, approximately 16% of adults over the age of 40 have knee OA. Pain, activity limitations and disability are common symptoms. Exercise is widely recommended as a non-invasive, first line strategy for people with knee OA. Yet, less than 1/3 of adults with knee OA meet recommended levels of physical activity, and rates are even lower among people who are overweight. Furthermore, adherence to evidence-based structured programs is poor once the therapeutic support is removed. End stage disease is treated by total joint replacement. Under-active people with knee OA would benefit from general walking activity, even if joint replacement surgery is expected; however, walking is difficult and motivation is low. Thus, people with knee OA encounter a difficult paradox: exercise could help decrease pain and improve function but doing so can be difficult and may not always be possible. There is a tremendous need to address this situation. This is a small device-feasibility study evaluating the Dephy ExoBoot, a wearable powered exoskeleton, in individuals with knee OA. The study assesses whether the device can reliably deliver positive assistance during walking and is tolerated across walking tasks. Additional measures, including changes in knee loading and walking speed with versus without the device, are also collected.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 21+ years of age
- Doctor-diagnosed tibiofemoral knee osteoarthritis
- Self-report knee pain or stiffness on most days of the past month
- Self-report of difficulty walking due to at least one knee
- Self-report of restricted walking behavior (not engaging in 150 minutes of moderate walking a week) due to at least in part one knee
- Able to walk one block without the use of an assistive device (e.g. a cane or walker)
- Able to engage in a walking activity program with the wearable intervention for approximately 30 minutes using standing or sitting rests as needed
Exclusion criteria
- Unable to walk at least 10 minutes in the community due to an existing cardiovascular, cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, or neurological condition
- Planning knee, hip, ankle or back surgery within the next 6-months
- Ankle or hip osteoarthritis
- Inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, scleroderma, Lymes Disease, Lupus)
- Bilateral total knee replacements
- Use of an assistive device (e.g., walker or cane) in home or in the community
- Self-reported fall within the past 6-months that resulted in limitations in daily activities
- Lower extremity/foot peripheral neuropathy or other sensory disorders
- Diagnosed with vestibular or other balance disorder that impact walking
- Open wounds or active skin irritation on the leg shank
- Open wounds or active ulcers of either feet
- Unstable cardiovascular disease
- Unstable respiratory disease
- History of past or current deep vein thrombosis
- Active back pain that limits walking
- Use of supplemental oxygen to walk
Where
- Cambridge, Massachusetts
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations