Research Impacts and Outcomes

The following are highlights of some of our most significant accomplishments of the Cleveland FES Center

Restoration of Function in Spinal Cord Injury

• FDA approval granted for first ever hand grasp neuroprosthesis for individuals with C5/C6 level tetraplegia - over 200 individuals implanted worldwide with technology invented at FES Center.
• Developed implanted neuroprosthesis to provide standing-transfer capabilities in low tetraplegia and paraplegia. Thirteen SCI subjects currently implanted - multi- center clinical trial underway.
• Demonstrated bowel evacuation efficacy of bladder neuroprosthesis with commercial partner- FDA approval granted based on reduction in time required for bowel management.
• Implemented first ever implanted sensor driven second generation neuroprosthesis for hand and arm control - four subjects now implanted.
• Performed first ever bilateral dual implants for walking in two individuals with paraplegia.

Restoration of Function Following Stroke

• Demonstrated reduction in shoulder subluxation and pain with a percutaneous shoulder system in chronic stroke survivors - multi-center clinical trial underway.
• Demonstrated enhanced motor relearning with EMG modulated percutaneous hand system in chronic stroke survivors--a two-center clinical trial in acute and chronic survivors underway.
• Demonstrated enhanced walking capabilities for stroke survivors with percutaneous FES therapy after plateaued recovery from conventional therapy - suggests improved therapeutic treatment.

Technology Innovation

• Developed second generation technology for implanted stimulation and telemetry - provides the platform for clinical studies in upper and lower extremities over next decade.
• Developed patient-based control unit for lower extremity use - device is used in multi-center clinical trial to provide standing transfer.

Fundamental Studies

• Demonstrated in animals the feasibility of stimulation of spinal cord circuits for control of multi-joint movement and for bladder emptying.
• Developed biomechanical model of standing developed for analysis of control muscles for standing and walking functions.
• Demonstrated first ever detection of hyper-reflexive bladder contractions in humans with SCI by recording of sensory nerve signals - demonstrates basis for fully closed loop control of bladder.
• Developed procedure for integrated control of voluntary and stimulated muscles - provides fundamental basis for control in many incomplete or paretic conditions.

Information Dissemination

• Developed, published and distributed first ever sourcebook on FES for individuals with spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis - partnership with PVA ETF and Buckeye Chapter PVA.
• Created new web-based electronic resources for public use at http://fescenter.case.edu.