Efficacy and biomechanical effects of the powered lower-limbs exoskeletons Keeogo in adults with neuromuscular diseases.
R Feigean, C Afroun-Roca, C Guerrini and 6 others
PMID 41547815WHAT IT FOUND
The Keeogo exoskeleton significantly reduced walking distance and speed in adults with neuromuscular diseases.
While it did not affect static balance or increase fall risk, the added weight and biomechanical changes hindered gait performance, making it currently unsuitable for improving mobility in this population.
Key findings
01Walking distance and speed significantly decreased when using the Keeogo exoskeleton.
02The device did not improve sit-to-stand performance, with no significant difference in repetition count.
03Static postural stability and perceived stability were not significantly affected by the device.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
Small sample size (23 participants) limits generalizability. Participants were relatively inexperienced with the device despite familiarization, which may have affected performance. The study did not include a healthy control group for comparison. The device is non-self-supported, meaning users must bear its full 5.4 kg weight, which is a significant burden for patients with severe muscle weakness. Statistical power was low for secondary outcomes and subgroup analyses.
Declared interests
The study was funded by the King Baudoin Foundation and AFM-Téléthon. The device manufacturer (B-Temia Inc.) is cited in the background but no direct funding or involvement from the manufacturer in the study design or analysis is explicitly declared in the provided text.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the reduced perceived dyspnea as a sign of improved efficiency. The participants walked slower and covered less distance, so the lower breathlessness score reflects a lower overall workload, not a benefit from the exoskeleton.
Summarised by AI from the full paper, without a clinician reviewing it. Check it against the source before it changes what you do. Read it on PubMed →