Restoration of Proximal Arm Function by FNS

[Wise Young]

Restoration of Proximal Arm Function by FNS

Principal Investigator: Patrick E. Crago, Ph.D.

Target population: Persons with C5 - C6 level spinal cord injury

Abstract

C5 and C6 quadriplegic participants in our program employ FNS hand grasp systems for activities of daily living, such as eating and grooming. This technology was transferred to a commercial enterprise, received FDA approval, is commercially available, and is reimbursable. We have demonstrated that with minor increases in hardware, we can also restore overhead reach by stimulating triceps in strong C5 and C6 tetraplegia, making it possible to retrieve objects from elevated locations. The first objective of this current project is to extend the range of application to include weak C5 patients. This will require developing methods to selectively and more fully stimulate triceps, and methods to grade the triceps stimulation to improve control. The second objective is to assess the feasibility of providing individuals with C6 tetraplegia the ability to transfer between the wheelchair and a bed, or perform weight shifts to prevent decubitus ulcers.

Project Sponsors

National Institutes of Health Neuroprosthesis Program, National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke and Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Research and Development Service.

For more information contact:

Patrick E. Crago, Ph.D.
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 368-2960 (216) 368-4872 FAX
E-Mail: pec3@po.cwru.edu