Neuroprosthesis for restoring quiet stance and balance during quit stances in individuals with spinal cord injury

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

In Canada, approximately 36,000 people live with spinal cord injury (SCI). The incidence of SCI is estimated at 35 per million population, which translates roughly into 1,000 new injuries every year. Each injury costs the individual and the health care system an average of $198,335 in the first year, and an additional $24,154 each subsequent year. A significant part of these expenses are associated with the fact that many individuals with SCI require the services of a caregiver to assist them with various daily tasks such as cooking, eating, transfers and toileting. The purpose of this research program is to develop a neuroprosthesis for standing and balancing for individuals with neurologic impairments secondary to SCI. Specifically, the proposed neuroprosthesis will apply functional electrical stimulation (FES) to artificially generate muscle contractions required to allow paralyzed individuals to stand up, perform stable unsupported standing, and to sit down. The development of this system will enable SCI consumers to perform activities such as being able to stand while cooking, reach for ingredients on shelves, and have more control when transferring from their wheelchairs to their beds, cars, etc. Currently, a neuroprosthesis that can facilitate prolonged and unsupported standing does not exist. Development of this device will revolutionize both the rehabilitation treatment and assistive technologies for individuals with SCI. Rather than having to significantly modify the physical environment, buy expensive equipment or hire caregivers, a person with SCI may be able to have greater independence in their activities of daily living. An effective neuroprosthesis for unsupported standing will considerably improve the quality of life for individuals with SCI, while reducing the cost of the impairment to both SCI consumers and society. Aside from the obvious functional benefits, the neuroprosthesis will prevent bone demineralization by allowing its users to load their bones and joints for prolonged periods of time. This will result in the reduction of incidence of low energy fractures commonly experienced by these patients. The neuroprosthesis will also increase the muscle volume in patients' legs and lower backs, resulting in the reduction in frequency of pressure sores.