Wise Young
09-27-2001, 11:04 AM
Feasibility of a Neuroprosthesis in High Tetraplegia
Principal Investigators:
David Yu, M.D., Robert F. Kirsch, Ph.D.
Target population: Persons with spinal cord injury at the C4 level or above
Abstract:
A neuroprosthesis for high tetraplegia (C4 and above) is feasible only if upper limb muscles can generate adequate force during neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). The electrical excitability of these muscles is questionable due to potential denervation (loss of motor units supplying a muscle). The purpose of this study is (1) to determine whether functional upper limb joint moments can be generated with NMES of conditioned muscles; (2) to evaluate the extent and pattern of upper limb denervation; and (3) to identify parameters that can potentially predict whether a muscle will generate adequate force after conditioning. Upper arm muscles will be implanted with percutaneous electrodes and tested for strength both before and after a 6 week NMES conditioning protocol. Strength testing will consist of NMES induced range of motion and joint moment measurements using specially designed equipment. Electromyographic data will be evaluated for its utility in predicting which muscles have the capacity to generate functional force after conditioning. Overall feasibility will be assessed based on the functional movements that can be generated with electrical stimulation after a period of muscle conditioning.
Project sponsor:
National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health and Spinal Cord Research Foundation, Paralyzed Veterans of America
For more information contact:
David Yu, M.D.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
MetroHealth Medical Center
2500 MetroHealth Drive
Cleveland, OH 44109
(216) 778-8903 (216)778-4499 FAX
E-mail:dyu@metrohealth.org
Principal Investigators:
David Yu, M.D., Robert F. Kirsch, Ph.D.
Target population: Persons with spinal cord injury at the C4 level or above
Abstract:
A neuroprosthesis for high tetraplegia (C4 and above) is feasible only if upper limb muscles can generate adequate force during neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). The electrical excitability of these muscles is questionable due to potential denervation (loss of motor units supplying a muscle). The purpose of this study is (1) to determine whether functional upper limb joint moments can be generated with NMES of conditioned muscles; (2) to evaluate the extent and pattern of upper limb denervation; and (3) to identify parameters that can potentially predict whether a muscle will generate adequate force after conditioning. Upper arm muscles will be implanted with percutaneous electrodes and tested for strength both before and after a 6 week NMES conditioning protocol. Strength testing will consist of NMES induced range of motion and joint moment measurements using specially designed equipment. Electromyographic data will be evaluated for its utility in predicting which muscles have the capacity to generate functional force after conditioning. Overall feasibility will be assessed based on the functional movements that can be generated with electrical stimulation after a period of muscle conditioning.
Project sponsor:
National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health and Spinal Cord Research Foundation, Paralyzed Veterans of America
For more information contact:
David Yu, M.D.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
MetroHealth Medical Center
2500 MetroHealth Drive
Cleveland, OH 44109
(216) 778-8903 (216)778-4499 FAX
E-mail:dyu@metrohealth.org