SCI Program

Trunk Control and Posture Assistance

Utilizing electrical stimulation, participants are able to maintain trunk stability to increase reaching and improve independent posture.

General Information on this clinical study

Principal Investigator: Ronald Triolo, Ph.D.

Clinical Coordinator: Stephanie Nogan Bailey, B.S.E.

Contact Number: 216-791-3800 ext. 4615

Contact Email: sbailey@fes.case.edu

Program Title: Trunk and Posture Control

Purpose

The paralysis of trunk muscles can lead to postural deformities and reduce the stability for upper body function. This program utilizes implanted stimulation to maintain core muscle stabilization and control seated posture.

Program Description

The purpose of this project is to determine the effects of electrical stimulation of the hip and trunk muscles on wheelchair propulsion and bimanual reach. The increased trunk stability provided by FES may alter the biomechanics of wheelchair propulsion and allow individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) enough stability to reach and hold objects with both hands while seated in their wheelchairs. Early progress on this study included resolving methodological issues for recording the position of the pelvis and spine during bimanual reaching activities while seated in the wheelchair. This involved the simultaneous capture of kinematic data with both electromagnetic and optical position sensing systems in the Motion Study Laboratory at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. To date, four recipients of the implanted standing neuroprosthesis have completed seated reach tests and three have completed wheelchair propulsion trials. Future study plans include investigating spinal and pelvic posture during sitting and reaching of neuroprosthesis users with cervical level spinal cord injuries.