IMPLANTABLE NEUROPROSTHESIS FOR STANDING AND FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY IN SCI

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The long term objective of this project is to introduce into clinical practice a neuroprosthesis employing functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) that will allow individuals with low cervical or high thoracic spinal cord injuries (SCI) to stand, transfer, or perform simple maneuvers with minimal assistance. The overall goal is to increase the independence and personal mobility of people with tetraplegia or paraplegia. This will be accomplished by implementing and evaluating a surgically implanted FNS system. Three to six weeks after implantation, the volunteers begin the "training" phase. Standardized test for strength and endurance will be done every six months for the first 18 months and yearly thereafter.