The Utilization Effects of Powered Wearable Orthotics in Improving Upper Extremity Function and ADL in Persons With SCI

Eligibility Criteria

• * Be between ages 18-80
• * Be able to activate certain muscles in my arm and forearm on my own a sufficient amount as measured by EMG amplitude. This will be determined by the study OT/PT.
• * Be diagnosed with spinal cord injury (SCI) with level C1-C8 and ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) C or D, as determined by study staff. If I have not had an exam to determine my injury level and impairment scale recently, I may participate in an examination of my sensation and strength in my arms, legs, trunk and rectum as was done in the hospital soon after my injury.
• * Be at least 1-year post injury
• * Have sufficient ability to move my shoulder (active shoulder flexion of 30 degrees and active shoulder abduction 20 degrees), as determined by study staff
• * Be medically stable
• * Have sufficient learning and memory abilities and abilities to communicate in English to be able to participate and follow directions during my rehabilitation
• * Continue to take all prescribed medication (e.g., oral or via pump baclofen) without any dosing changes
• * Be able to tolerate functional tasks for 60 minutes with periodic rests without excessive fatigue
• * Have minimal strength in the muscles that bend and straighten my elbow, as determined by study staff
• * Have full range of motion in my elbow when it is moved by the study therapist
• * Be younger than 18 years old or older than 80
• * Have excessive pain in my arm, wrist, or hand that limits providing rehabilitation
• * Have excessive spasticity in my elbow or wrist, as determined by study staff
• * Be participating in any experimental rehabilitation or drug studies
• * Have history of nervous system disorder other than SCI
• * Have difficulty following multiple step directions
• * Have severe cognitive or psychiatric problems might be contraindications to start training.
• * Have skin issues or severe sensory deficits that would prevent wearing the Myo-Pro device safely
• * Be pregnant
• * Have other conditions or circumstances that, in the opinion of the investigators, would affect the safety or effectiveness of the training in which I would participate