TETRAGRIP
Development of a FES Device for hand function in incomplete tetraplegia
TETRA G 01-12
Salisbury District Hospital /Bournemouth University, Amount requested 3 year studentship at £7,500 p.a. = £22,500, Oct 2012
Research has demonstrated that FES based training devices can lead to improved hand and am function following spinal cord injury. However, there is a need to develop an improved device and control techniques to enable routine use outside the clinical setting, This PhD project will aim to produce a system that can be easily used by people with a range of ability following tetraplegia.
New stimulation techniques using ‘current steering’ will be used to automatically fine tune the movement produced, removing variations due to electrode position, fatigue and spasticity. While the principle use of the device will be for training hand function, it is envisaged that it may also be used as a long-term orthosis. A feasibility study/clinical trial will be used to demonstrate the device in clinical use. The principle goal is to increase the functional independence of people with C5, C6 or C7 incomplete tetraplegia.