Electrical Stimulation assisting with return of function in quadriplegics' hands

Those in the quadriplegia world experiencing minimal to no function of their hands know full well what it would mean to their sense of independence if they had some function in their fingers. Researchers at the New York-based Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and smart textile company Myant have partnered to develop a lightweight wearable sleeve that regulates individual finger forces to facilitate functional movement in quadriplegics. The results of their study have now been published in Bioelectronic Medicine.

Textile-based electrodes were used to trigger individual finger movements and grasping reflexes in quadriplegic patients. The participants had the sleeve placed on their forearm and electrical stimulation was applied to the different electrodes to trigger movements. All participants exhibited finger extension and flexing, as well as a cylindrical grasp which enabled them to squeeze and support a 750ml water bottle.

Now, before you get overly excited, this work is in its infancy and the researchers have a long way to go before they start larger clinical trials but you can read more about this work HERE.