Gait is an essential daily activity performed through the complex coordination of the central and peripheral nervous systems and the musculoskeletal system. Gait disorders can negatively affect quality of life, increase the risk of falls, decrease the ability to perform daily activities, and limit physical activity. Gait disorders can result from various musculoskeletal conditions, with hip osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, and hip fractures being the most representative causes.
In the early stages of hip osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, or non-severely displaced hip fractures, various intervention therapies, including rehabilitation exercise therapy and injection treatments, can be attempted. However, these intervention therapies only alleviate symptoms and cannot prevent disease progression. Consequently, most patients eventually experience thinning of the full-thickness hip cartilage, collapse of the femoral head, nonunion, or worsening displacement, which leads to restricted hip range of motion. As a result, lower limb muscle weakness and functional decline occur, ultimately requiring hip surgeries such as total hip arthroplasty or open reduction and internal fixation. Although most patients experience a recovery in gait ability after hip surgery, some show a slower recovery rate or fail to achieve normal walking.
It has been reported that over 80% of function is recovered by three months after surgery; however, during this period, patients experience limitations in performing daily activities. As a compensatory mechanism, excessive weight-bearing on the non-operated limb may occur, increasing the risk of overloading the non-operated hip. This may lead to the development of osteoarthritis in the non-operated limb and has also been reported to increase the risk of falls. Therefore, various methods are being studied to facilitate gait function recovery after hip surgery and promote an early return to daily activities.
Therefore, this study aims to explore the clinical feasibility of the Angel Suit H10 (Angelrobotics, Seoul, Korea) by assessing whether wearing the Electrically Powered Orthopedic Exercise Device improves gait function in patients who have undergone hip surgery, along with evaluating user satisfaction and device safety.
Individuals aged 19 or older
Individuals who have undergone hip surgery due to hip osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, or hip fracture
Individuals who are at least two days post-hip surgery and are assessed to be medically stable
Individuals who have adequate cognitive ability (Korean Mini-Mental State Examination score ≥ 20)
Individuals who, after undergoing hip surgery, present with exudate at the surgical site or report symptoms such as heat, redness, swelling, or severe pain at the affected area
Individuals who have contraindications for lower limb weight-bearing such as severe joint contractures, osteoporosis, or untreated fractures
Individuals who have progressive or unstable brain diseases or neurological paralysis from stroke
Individuals who have active infections or open wounds hindering device use
Single group
Electrically Powered Orthopedic Exercise Device
DeviceParticipants who pass the screening undergo an evaluation of gait function and balance ability without wearing the Electrically Powered Orthopedic Exercise Device. Afterward, the patient wears the motorized orthopedic exercise device for a total of four adaptation sessions. In each session, the patient performs short-distance walking within 10 meters while wearing the device to explore the appropriate assistive mode and level of support that match their physical condition. No evaluations are conducted while wearing the device during sessions 1, 2, and 3. After the 4th session, an evaluation identical to the one conducted without the device is performed while wearing it, and a satisfaction survey is conducted.
10-Meter Walk Test
Patients are instructed to walk 14 m, including 2 m at both ends for acceleration and deceleration, at their comfortable speed. Gait speed was calculated by dividing the 10m distance by the time taken.
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test
Researchers ask patients to rise from a seated position, walk a distance of 3 m, turn around, return to the chair, and sit back. The average time of three trials was recorded as a result
6-Minute Walk Test
Patients are instructed to walk back and forth along the 30-meter path as many times as possible within 6 minutes. The examiner records the total distance covered, abnormal gait patterns, and the time of occurrence of any gait deviations.
Berg balance scale (BBS)
Patients are asked to perform 14 tasks regarding the static and dynamic balance of patients. Each task was rated on a five-point scale from 0 to 4, with a total score of 56.
Spatiotemporal Parameters of Gait : Total Step Count
While the participant performs the test wearing an insole-type gait analyzer, spatiotemporal gait parameters are collected and recorded. Total Step Count: The total number of steps taken during walking.
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