Soft robotics and functional electrical stimulation advances for restoring hand function in people with SCI: a narrative review, clinical guidelines and future directions

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-022-01043-1 · Published: January 1, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Neurorehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This review discusses devices based on soft robotics (SR) or functional electrical stimulation (FES) used to help people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) regain hand function. The goal is to provide engineers with information for developing new technologies and to offer clinicians guidelines for using available technology to assist or restore hand function in people with SCI. The review analyzes recent research articles that report hand functional outcomes in people with SCI using FES and/or SR neuroprostheses, whether for assistance or therapy.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

37 articles reviewed, 12 SR and 25 FES devices.

Evidence Level

Narrative Review

Key Findings

1
Most studies focus on the engineering of the devices rather than on the actual functional improvements experienced by users.
2
Technological improvements are needed in areas like portability, ease of use, and quick response times for user intent detection.
3
There is a lack of standardized tests used to assess hand function, making it difficult to compare results across different studies.

Research Summary

The review analyzed 37 articles (12 SR, 25 FES) focusing on restoring hand function in SCI patients, identifying key areas for technological advancement and clinical application. A major finding was the system-centric approach of many studies, highlighting the need for more user-focused research and the utilization of commercially available devices. The review emphasizes the need for devices designed for both assistance and therapy and for a standardized approach to assessing functional outcomes.

Practical Implications

Engineering Design Improvements

Engineers should focus on developing user-friendly devices with intuitive controls, improved portability, and reduced calibration times.

Clinical Application Guidelines

Clinicians should match specific device features, like selectivity level and user intent detection, to individual patient needs.

Standardized Assessment Protocols

Researchers should adopt consistent assessment tools to allow for better comparison of study results and more reliable validation of device effectiveness.

Soft robotics and functional electrical stimulation advances for restoring hand function in people with SCI: a narrative review, clinical guidelines and future directions

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Engineering Design Improvements

Clinical Application Guidelines

Standardized Assessment Protocols

Study Limitations

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Soft robotics and functional electrical stimulation advances for restoring hand function in people with SCI: a narrative review, clinical guidelines and future directions

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Engineering Design Improvements

Clinical Application Guidelines

Standardized Assessment Protocols

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?