Exploratory Pilot Study on the Prolonged Use of the ABLE Exoskeleton in Multiple Sclerosis

Exclusion Criteria

• •Significant osteoporosis that may increase the risk of fracture
• •Unresolved fractures in the pelvis or extremities, or history of fragility fractures in the lower extremities in the last 2 years
• •Spinal instability (or spinal orthoses, unless authorized by a physician)
• •Severe spasticity: Level 4 on the Modified Ashworth Scale
• •Orthostatic hypotension. Inability to tolerate a minimum of 30 minutes standing
• •Uncontrolled autonomic dysreflexia
• •Medical instability
• •Unstable cardiovascular system (CVS), hemodynamic instability, untreated hypertension (SBP\>140, DBP\>90 mmHg), unresolved deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
• •Serious comorbidities, including any condition that a physician deems inappropriate for use of the ABLE Exoskeleton or to complete participation in the study
• •Skin integrity problems on the contact surfaces of the device or that would prevent sitting
• •Grade I or higher on EPUAP (European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, 2019) on areas that will be in contact with the exoskeleton
• •Colostomy
• •Anthropometric measurements outside the values compatible with ABLE Exoskeleton. In particular, height not between 1.5-1.9 m, or weight over 100 kg
• •Anatomical constraints (such as eg length differences, users unable to position themselves inside the device) that are incompatible with the device
• •Restrictions in range of motion that prevent normal gait from being achieved or preventing the completion of a normal transition from sitting to standing or standing to sitting
• •Heterotopic ossification
• •Known pregnancy or breastfeeding
• •Cognitive impairment that results in the inability to follow simple instructions, particularly psychological or cognitive problems that do not allow a participant to follow study procedures