Use and evaluation of assistive technologies for upper limb function in tetraplegia

This study reviews assistive technologies for people with cervical spinal cord injuries (SCI) to improve upper limb function. It looks at research from 1999 to 2019 to understand the effectiveness of these technologies. The review includes various assistive technologies like neuroprostheses, orthotic devices, hybrid systems, robots, and arm supports. The study analyzes how these technologies improve upper limb function. The study concludes that assistive technologies can improve upper limb function in SCI patients, but drawing broad conclusions is difficult due to varied study designs and participant characteristics.

• 1
  Assistive technologies, including neuroprostheses, orthotics, hybrid systems, robots, and arm supports, can improve upper limb function in individuals with cervical SCI.
• 2
  Neuroprostheses, both invasive and non-invasive, have shown to increase hand function, grip and pinch strength, range of movement, and improve Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
• 3
  The study highlights a need for standardized outcome measures and comprehensive reporting of participant characteristics to draw more generalizable conclusions about the effectiveness of these technologies.