A User-friendly, Non-invasive Neuro-orthosis That Restores Volitionally Controlled Grasp Functions for SCI Survivors With Tetraplegia

About this trial

This pilot trial is enrolling 12 individuals with chronic cervical spinal cord injury to test the safety and feasibility of a functional orthotic sleeve on on grasp function. This device, the NeuroLife Sleeve System, is a non-invasive, forearm sleeve with 160 electrodes; it both records muscle activity and electrically stimulates the muscles. Muscle activity is recorded using electromyography (EMG), a technique that records naturally occurring muscle activity through a surface electrode. The muscles are stimulated using functional electrical stimulation (FES), a technique that applies electrical signals through the skin to nerves to cause contraction of weakened or paralyzed muscles. If included, participants will undergo 3 training sessions a week using the sleeve for 12 weeks. Final testing of arm and hand function will be performed after 4 months.