Grasp-Release Device Assessment

Prior to implantation, prospective participants will be evaluated for study and surgical candidacy. This may involve direct or coordinated efforts with a participant’s healthcare team to ensure safe enrollment. Surgical implantation involves hospital admission, and participants surgical arm will be placed in a cast to protect the newly implanted device. The cast will remain on for three weeks. Participants may return home during this period or stay in the Metrohealth Center for Rehabilitation Research (MCRR) Zubizarreta House (see details below). Next, the cast is removed and the implanted devices will be programmed with our research team to begin exercising using their new arm movement. Five weeks following this, participants will be trained on integrating their new arm movements into functional daily activities. Outcome measures will be obtained prior to surgical implantation, and again at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Information for Prospective Candidates

If you are living with cervical-level SCI sustained as least 6 months ago, medically stable, and at least 17 years old, you may be a candidate for this study. Prior to enrollment, prospective participants will be evaluated to determine the electrical excitability of their upper extremities to ensure favorable response to implantation of the device.

Long distance participants and their families (and/or caregivers) will have access to the Zubizarreta House, a 7,000 square foot accessible living space adjacent to MCRR at the Metrohealth Old Brooklyn Campus. The house provides private suite rooms with track lifts, low pressure beds, private roll-in showers, and separate caregiver rooms. On-site laundry, and a common kitchen and living area are available to guests.

Detailed study information is available at https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05863754.