Bethesda, MDNCT06998134Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Muscle Weakness Clinical Trial in Bethesda, MD

Access cutting-edge muscle weakness treatment through this clinical trial at a research site in Bethesda. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)

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IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related muscle weakness treatment provided free

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Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Bethesda

    Convenient for MD residents

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3Visit Bethesda site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Muscle Weakness Study in Bethesda

People with cerebral palsy (CP), muscular dystrophy (MD), spina bifida, or spinal cord injury often have muscle weakness, and problems moving their arms and legs. The NIH designed a new brace device, called an exoskeleton, that is worn on the legs and helps people walk. This study is investigating new ways the exoskeleton can be used in multiple settings while performing different walking or movement tasks, which we call ubiquitous use. For example, we will ask you to walk on a treadmill at different speeds, walk up and down a ramp, or walk through an obstacle course. Optionally, the exoskeletons may also use functional electrical stimulation (FES), a system that sends electrical pulses to the muscle to help it move the limb.

Sponsor: National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
Provision of signed and dated separate informed consent and assent forms for screening purposes. Upon inclusion in the protocol, provision of signed and dated informed consent and assent forms to begin participation in the study will be necessary.
Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study, or alternatively, ability to do so based on parent report and physician observation during history and physical examination.
Age 5 to 25 years old. Importantly, we included young adults (18-25 years old) because longterm outcomes for adults with cerebral palsy include loss of ambulatory ability. While studies of conventional gait training in this population have been conducted, use of exoskeletons in this population is very limited. Given the potential benefit of exoskeletons to reduce knee extension deficiency, it is important to determine whether novel controllers we develop are also tolerated and effective in this age group.
Either has a gait pathology arising from a diagnosis of CP, MD, SB, or iSCI or has no gait pathology.
Knee joint range of motion of at least 25 degrees in the sagittal plane (knee extension/flexion) assessed with the hip extended in a supine position. Hamstring contracture as assessed by the straight leg raising test does not limit ability to participate in the study.
Ankle joint range of motion of at least 15 degrees in the sagittal plane (dorsi-plantarflexion) with the foot in neutral alignment.
Able to walk at least 10 feet without stopping with or without a walking aid.

Exclusion Criteria

An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
Any neurological, musculoskeletal, or cardiorespiratory injury, health condition, or diagnosis other than CP, MD, SB, or iSCI that would affect the ability to walk as directed with the robotic exoskeleton.
A history of uncontrolled seizures in the past year.
Pregnancy based on self-reporting. We excluded pregnancy due to confounding factors of pregnancy on gait.
Adult unable to consent for themselves at screening visit.

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Bethesda?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT06998134) has an active research site in Bethesda, MD that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Muscle Weakness Treatment Options in Bethesda, MD

If you're searching for muscle weakness treatment options in Bethesda, MD, this clinical trial (NCT06998134) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Bethesda research site is actively enrolling participants for this clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced muscle weakness specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all muscle weakness clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

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