Can a soft robotic exoskeleton help improve my walking speed and stride length?

Walking problems like slow speed and short steps are common in Parkinson disease. A soft robotic exoskeleton is a wearable device that helps guide your legs during walking. Recent studies show that training with this device can lead to meaningful improvements in both walking speed and stride length. The evidence comes from small but well-designed trials, so results are promising but not yet proven in large, long-term studies.

What the research says

A 2024 randomized controlled trial of 56 people with Parkinson disease found that those who used a soft robotic exoskeleton for 20 minutes, 5 times per week over 4 weeks, significantly improved their gait speed and stride length compared to those who received only conventional rehabilitation ²¹¹. Specifically, left and right stride length each increased by an average of 0.15 meters (about 6 inches) ²¹¹. Another 2023 study of 8 patients using a wearable hip orthosis (a type of exoskeleton) also reported increased gait speed and stride length after 4 weeks of training, and these improvements were maintained one month later ¹⁰. A 2022 pilot trial found that 8 weeks of exoskeleton-assisted exercise improved walking endurance (6-minute walk test) but did not show a significant change in gait speed ⁹. Overall, the strongest evidence supports short-term gains in stride length and speed with soft exoskeleton training, though more research is needed to confirm long-term benefits.

What to ask your doctor

• Would a soft robotic exoskeleton be appropriate for my current stage of Parkinson disease?
• How often and for how long would I need to train with the device to see improvements?
• Are there any risks or side effects I should know about before trying this therapy?
• Can you refer me to a rehabilitation center that offers exoskeleton training?
• Will my insurance cover the cost of exoskeleton gait training sessions?