Browse the latest research summaries in the field of assistive technology for spinal cord injury patients and caregivers.
Showing 401-410 of 581 results
Journal of Orthopaedic Translation, 2016 • October 17, 2015
The increasing number of people with mobility disorders has created a demand for devices like lower extremity exoskeletons (LEEs) that can assist in regaining the ability to walk and improve quality o...
KEY FINDING: LEEs have shown great improvements in performance, wearability, and portability in recent years, with advancements in actuators, human-exoskeleton interfaces, and power supplies.
Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2017 • March 10, 2017
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) on walking-related functional outcomes in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Th...
KEY FINDING: Acute RAGT leads to significantly greater improvements in gait distance, leg strength, and functional level of mobility and independence compared to over-ground training.
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2017 • July 4, 2017
This case study examined the use of a hybrid assistive limb for single joints (HAL-SJ) in a 19-year-old man with complete C4 quadriplegia to restore function of active elbow flexion. The HAL-SJ interv...
KEY FINDING: HAL-SJ intervention is feasible and effective in restoring elbow flexor function in a patient with C4 chronic spinal cord injury and complete quadriplegia.
Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol, 2018 • February 1, 2018
This study explores dynamic options for improving postural stability and recovering from potentially destabilizing events in manual wheelchair users. The purpose of this investigation was to determine...
KEY FINDING: The decision algorithm based on acceleration signals successfully differentiated destabilizing conditions.
Am J Phys Med Rehabil, 2017 • October 1, 2017
This study presents a system that combines accelerometry and RF tags to accurately assess standing and reaching activities within a home environment for individuals with incomplete spinal cord injurie...
KEY FINDING: The sensor fusion system achieved an average accuracy of 98% in inferring stand-to-reach activities at different locations.
Disabil Rehabil, 2005 • February 4, 2005
This case report describes a standing and surveillance system that allows quantification of standing dose. Preliminary investigation with a single subject indicates that compliance with this device is...
KEY FINDING: The client exceeded a suggested minimum dosage of standing per month (130.4% of goal).
Neurorehabil Neural Repair, 2017 • May 1, 2017
This study tested a body–machine interface (BoMI) for enhancing functional capabilities in persons with cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI). Through practice, participants were able to reduce the movem...
KEY FINDING: Participants significantly reduced movement time and improved accuracy in reaching tasks over the 24 sessions.
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2018 • March 1, 2018
The SCI Model Systems (SCIMS) programs funded by NIDILRR provided abstracts describing findings from current research projects during the 2011 to 2016 cycle. Group discussion followed presentations in...
KEY FINDING: Changes in demographic characteristics of persons with recent onset SCI over the five decades of the National SCI Model Systems database operations were reported, including increases in motor incomplete injuries and age-specific single/never married status.
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2018 • September 1, 2018
This single-session study evaluated gait parameters and neuromuscular profiles of exoskeleton-assisted walking under Max Assist condition for able-bodied (AB) and spinal cord injury (SCI) individuals....
KEY FINDING: AB individuals in exoskeleton showed greater stance time and a significant reduction in walking velocity compared to non-EXO walking.
Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2006 • February 28, 2006
This study examined the effects of powered ankle-foot orthoses on the walking patterns of individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury. The orthoses provided plantar flexion assistance, and the stud...
KEY FINDING: Powered ankle-foot orthoses increased ankle angle at stance push-off compared to passive orthoses.