STANDING AND TRANSFERS AFTER SCI WITH AN IMPLANTED NEUROPROSTHESIS

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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 goals of this research study are to prove the safety, effectiveness and functionality of a surgically- implanted functional electrical stimulation (FES) system that allows selected individuals with a spinal cord injury to exercise, stand, and pivot transfer. It will also allow for the transfer of technology to other rehabilitation sites for more people to gain access to the system. This study involves a surgically-implanted system much like a heart pacemaker. The implant will receive information from an outside control unit worn on a waist belt and send the electrical stimulation to the electrodes which are attached to the back, thigh and buttock muscles. This impulse is controlled by a switch on the control unit. Controlled by a switch, the control unit will send impulses that cause the muscles to contract to perform functional movements or to exercise. Candidates for this study will include those persons with C6-T12 spinal cord injury (SCI) of e 6 months duration who are at least 18 years old, have muscle tone and spasticity in both legs, and have no acute orthopedic or medical complications. Muscle endurance and strength will be measured at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgical implantation, as well as the person's perception of their overall health, quality of life, ability to stand and transfer, and satisfaction with the system.'