Networked Neuroprosthetic (NNP) System

Background Neuroprosthetic devices are powerful tools providing life sustaining and functional enhancement for individuals with central nervous system disorders, such as spinal cord injury and stroke. In general, a neuroprosthetic system should provide: The robust functions that users demand Understandable and intuitive tools that clinicians need to implement those functions The technical transparency for surgeons…

Implantable Electrode Design

Stimulating Electrodes Epimysial and Intramuscular Both electrode types have multi-stranded 316 stainless steel conductors helically-wound in tandem from the electrode to the connector.  The helically-wound cable is covered with a silicone tube (“closed helix”). For the epimysial electrode, the silicone-encased cable terminates onto a 4mm diameter platinum-iridium dis​c molded into a medical-grade dacron-reinforced silicone substrate…

Technology Programs

Technology Programs Overview The Cleveland FES Center has the ability to conceive, fabricate, test, and produce advanced technologies addressing clinical applications. Our technological capabilities are divided into two segments; innovation and technical. The innovation group is charged with identifying the cutting edge techniques, materials and concepts from across the industry for possible inclusion into FES applications. The technical…

TBI – Upper Limb Function

Longitudinal Observation of Myoelectric Upper Limb Orthosis Use among Veterans with Upper Limb Impairment The specific aims of this project are to evaluate therapeutic effects of the myoelectric upper limb orthosis, and to evaluate functional effects of the myoelectric upper limb orthosis. About This Study The main objective of this research study is to document functional…

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by external physical force that may produce a diminished or altered state of consciousness, which results in an impairment of cognitive abilities or physical functioning. Mild TBI may cause temporary dysfunction of brain cells. More severe TBI can result in bruising, torn tissues, bleeding and other physical damage to…

Nerve Block for Pain

Nerve Conduction Block Utilizing High Frequency Alternating Current (HFAC) The goal of this program is to develop a new method for blocking the conduction of nerve signals on peripheral nerves. About This Study The goal of this program is to develop a new method for blocking the conduction of nerve signals on peripheral nerves. We…

Pain

Pain Program Overview Shoulder pain accounts for 16% of all musculoskeletal complaints in the healthy adult population and results in 12 million visits to physician offices per year. Subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS), shown below, is the most common cause of shoulder pain. Conservative treatments include rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections. Approximately…

Pediatric Hand Grasp

Virtual Environments Integrated with FES for Hemiplegia This program is an important initial step in the development of a new therapy combining that is applicable to a wide range of children with cerebral palsy, including those with severe degrees of hand disability. The program’s significance to public health is to contribute to an unmet need…

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the result of a brain injury or a brain malformation. Individuals with CP were most likely born with the condition, although some acquire it later. While CP originates in the brain, it is the muscles of the body that are affected leading to impaired muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex,…

Brain Stimulation – Upper Limb Sensory

The main objective of this study is to test a novel approach to improve sensory function after stroke using non-invasive brain stimulation. About This Study There is a non-invasive method of brain stimulation, called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), that has the potential to enhance rehabilitation by driving the functional and structural changes in the…