Exploratory study of perceived quality of life with implanted standing neuroprostheses.

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) need options for negotiating architectural barriers, completing essential transfers, and accessing items on high shelves or in cupboards that cannot be reached from the wheelchair or safely managed with reachers. Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have developed an assistive technology device to assist individuals with SCI to stand and transfer. The 8-channel implanted CWRU-VA system enables persons with SCI to exercise, stand, and maneuver in the vicinity of their wheelchairs.

Longitudinal performance of a surgically implanted neuroprosthesis for lower-extremity exercise, standing, and transfers after spinal cord injury.

Objective: To investigate the longitudinal performance of a surgically implanted neuroprosthesis for lower-extremity exercise, standing, and transfers after spinal cord injury.

Design: Case series.

Setting: Research or outpatient physical therapy departments of 4 academic hospitals.