A Noninvasive Neuroprosthesis Augments Hand Grasp Force in Individuals with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: The Functional and Therapeutic Effects

The study evaluated a myoelectrically controlled functional electrical stimulation (MeCFES) device to improve hand function in people with tetraplegia. The device uses electrical stimulation to enhance the tenodesis grip, which is a natural grasping motion that occurs when the wrist is extended. Participants trained activities of daily living using the MeCFES device for 12 sessions, each lasting 2 hours. The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) was used to measure hand function before and after the training period, both with and without the device. The study found that the MeCFES device improved hand function in most participants immediately upon first use. Training with the device resulted in further improvements, suggesting both assistive and therapeutic benefits.

• 1
  The MeCFES device improved hand test score in 63% of the subjects at first application.
• 2
  Training resulted in a significant therapeutic effect, which resulted in an overall increase of hand function in 89% of the participants
• 3
  30% experienced a clinically relevant change (6 points or more).