A Neuroprosthesis for Seated Posture and Balance

Description

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a surgically implanted functional electrical stimulation (FES) system to facilitate stability of the trunk and hips. FES involves applying small electric currents to the nerves, which cause the muscles to contract. This study evaluates how stabilizing and stiffening the trunk with FES can change the way spinal cord injured volunteers sit, breathe, reach, push a wheelchair, or roll in bed.

Conditions

Spinal Cord Injury, Paralysis, Tetraplegia, Paraplegia

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a surgically implanted functional electrical stimulation (FES) system to facilitate stability of the trunk and hips. FES involves applying small electric currents to the nerves, which cause the muscles to contract. This study evaluates how stabilizing and stiffening the trunk with FES can change the way spinal cord injured volunteers sit, breathe, reach, push a wheelchair, or roll in bed.

A Neuroprosthesis for Seated Posture and Balance

A Neuroprosthesis for Seated Posture and Balance

Condition
Spinal Cord Injury
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Cleveland

Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, Cleveland, Ohio, United States, 44106-1702

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * C4-T12
  • * ASIA Scale A through C
  • * Time post injury greater than 6 months
  • * Innervated and excitable trunk and pelvis musculature
  • * Absence of acute or chronic psychological problems or chemical dependency
  • * Range of motion within normal limits
  • * Controlled spasticity and absence of hip flexion and adduction spasm
  • * Height and weight within normal limits
  • * No history of balance problems or spontaneous falls
  • * No history of spontaneous fracture or evidence low bone density
  • * No acute orthopaedic problems
  • * No acute medical complications
  • * Adequate social support and stability
  • * Able to speak and read English
  • * Pregnancy
  • * Non-English speaking

Ages Eligible for Study

21 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

VA Office of Research and Development,

Ronald Triolo, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH

Study Record Dates

2027-01-31