Benefits of Applying Neuroprosthesis to Improve Grasping and Reaching in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

The Compex Motion neuroprostesis, developed by Drs. R. Popovic and Thierry Keller,and company Compex SA, ia a flexible device designed to improve grasping function in both SCI and stroke patients.This multi-channel surface stimulation system for grasping provides both palmar and lateral grasp , and holds a number of advantages over the other existing neuroprostheses.

Conventional occupational therapy pertaining to hand function represents control activities against which the FES therapy was assessed. The conventional occupational therapy included: a) muscle facilitation exercises emphasizing the neurodevelopmental treatment approach; b) task-specific, repetitive functional training; c) strengthening and motor control training using resistance to available arm motion to increase strength; d) stretching exercises; e) electrical stimulation applied primarily for muscle strengthening (this is not FES but TENS application); f) activities of daily living including self-care where the upper limb was used as an assist if appropriate; and g) caregiver training.