Forward stair descent with hybrid neuroprosthesis after paralysis: Single case study demonstrating feasibility

This study introduces a new device, the VIKM-HNP, to help people with spinal cord injuries descend stairs. It combines electrical stimulation of muscles with a special knee brace that controls movement. Stair descent is hard for people with paralysis because it requires absorbing energy, which is difficult to do with electrical stimulation alone. The VIKM-HNP uses a special knee mechanism to help with this energy absorption. The device was tested on one person, and it helped him descend stairs with less effort from his arms compared to using electrical stimulation alone. This suggests the device could make stair descent safer and easier for people with spinal cord injuries.

• 1
  The VIKM-HNP enabled consistent forward stair descent, unlike FNS-only which resulted in erratic movement and heavy reliance on arm support.
• 2
  Upper-limb forces were reduced to less than 45% of body weight with the VIKM-HNP, compared to the 70% reported in previous studies with FNS only.
• 3
  The study participant could differentiate between different VIKM resistance settings, indicating that the device effectively controlled lowering speed.