Cognitive-based Prosthetics to Improve Grasp and Reaching After SCI

The investigators have developed and tested a functional prototype of an instrumented glove to alert the user about secure grasp of objects. Onboard force and flex sensors provide inputs to a machine learning algorithm (artificial neural network, ANN) to estimate secure grasp based on previously collected training data. The glove enhances agency by alerting the user to secure grasp through sensory feedback modules (visual - LED, audio - beeper, tactile - vibrator).

"A a size- and position-adjustable arm brace with weight-support capability and housing for vibration motors and EMG sensors. Position adjustment allows for physical therapists to find and recommend arm postures that are clinically relevant to~each person. The participant can then isometrically push/resist against the brace to strengthen target muscles while performing VR reach-to-touch. The person will receive visual feedback from the virtual environment to train movement performance and vibrotactile feedback at tendons to subconsciously adjust their muscle activation patterns"