A Multicriteria Decision Analysis of Augmentative Treatment of Upper Limbs in Persons With Tetraplegia
By Hummel, J.M. Marjan, PhD; Snock, Govert J., MD; van Til, Janine A., MSc; van Rossum, Wouter, PhD; Ijzerman, Maarten J., Prof PhD; Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, Vol. 42, No. 6, pp. 635-644Publication Date: September/October 2005
Study conducted to evaluate the performance of two treatment options designed to improve the arm-hand function of people with sixth cervical vertebra level Motor Group 2 tetraplegia. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) was compared with conventional surgery in terms of functional improvement, treatment load, risks, user-friendliness, and social outcomes. The Freehand FES System was used in the study, as electrodes were placed onto the paralyzed hand muscles that are responsible for grasping and releasing motions. The electrodes are connected to a subcutaneous receiver-stimulation unit, which interprets voluntary physiological signals that are transferred to the target muscles. Functional improvements after FES were presumed to be better than that of conventional surgery, though the researchers found that overall ratings favored conventional surgery. Implications for future research are discussed.
Assistive Products Discussed: NEUROCONTROL FREEHAND SYSTEM
Published by:
VA Rehabilitation Research & Development Service (Web Site: http://www.rehab.research.va.gov )
Link to text: http://www.vard.org/jour/05/42/5/pdf/hummel.pdf
