This trial is enrolling individuals with chronic cervical (neck area) spinal cord injuries who already have a recording electrode array (BrainGate) implanted in their brain. This study will investigate using the device to enable grasping movements. Brain activity will be measured when participants think about grasping. This information will be decoded to a computer connected to a functional electrical stimulation (FES) system. FES uses small electrodes implanted in the arm, shoulder, and hand to send small electrical currents to cause contraction of weakened or paralyzed muscles. The main goal is to match the precise brain signals to the actual grasping behavior performed with FES in order to promote voluntary hand movements. Participants will be asked to either control their hand in the real word, or within a computer generated experience (virtual reality) through head-mounted displays.
Traumatic
Non-traumatic
Type
Details
Training of grasping movements and comparison of performance in a real word or a virtual reality setting.
Main benefits
Arm/hand function
Additional benefits
General health
Good to know: Potential benefits are defined as outcomes that are being measured during and/or after the trial.
Wings for Life has proudly initiated, led and funded the new version of the SCI Trials Finder website. Wings for Life aims to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The not-for-profit foundation funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe.
Learn moreWings for Life has proudly initiated, led and funded the new version of the SCI Trials Finder website. Wings for Life aims to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The not-for-profit foundation funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe.
Learn more