Neuroprosthesis for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Neurol Res., 2023 · DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2020.1798106 · Published: October 1, 2023

Simple Explanation

Neuroprostheses, using electrical stimulation, can significantly improve the lives of individuals with spinal cord injuries. These devices use electrical pulses to generate action potentials in targeted peripheral nerves. Electrical stimulation is applied to paralyzed motor nerves, causing the desired muscle to contract, leading to functional actions. Common actions produced include grasp, overhead reach, trunk posture, standing, bladder control, and respiratory functions. The perspective of the end user is critical in the design of assistive technologies like neuroprostheses, influencing factors such as ease of use, cosmetic appearance, and overall benefits.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Individuals with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Implanted neuroprostheses can have a significant positive impact on the health, function, and overall quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
2
Electrical stimulation can produce graded muscle force output through spatial summation, making it possible to activate a larger region of neurons and increase muscle contraction strength.
3
User satisfaction is high for implanted neuroprosthetic devices used to improve hand grasp and standing abilities.

Research Summary

Significant functional improvement can be gained by individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) through the use of neuroprostheses based on electrical stimulation. The most common actions produced are: grasp, overhead reach, trunk posture, standing, stepping, bladder/bowel/sexual function, and respiratory functions. The results to date show that implanted neuroprostheses can have a significant impact on the health, function, and quality of life for individuals with SCI.

Practical Implications

Improved Independence

Neuroprostheses can increase independence for individuals with SCI, allowing them to perform activities of daily living more easily.

Enhanced Quality of Life

The use of neuroprosthetic systems can improve the quality of life by restoring function and reducing the need for caregiver assistance.

Reduced Healthcare Costs

In some cases, neuroprostheses can reduce healthcare costs by decreasing the incidence of secondary health conditions and lowering the need for attendant care.

Study Limitations

1
Barriers that were identified include access to equipment and inconveniences with donning/doffing
2
It is important to note that the anterior horn cell, axon, neuromuscular junction, and muscle fiber must be intact for electrical stimulation to be effective
3
Difficulties included significant denervation in the deltoid and biceps muscles and developing control algorithms that were easy to learn and use.

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