Creating a device to help people with paralysis use their hands at home
Official title: Development of FES+BMI Neuroprosthesis for At-Home Use for Persons with Chronic Tetraplegia
Funded at Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center · NIH-11000647 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new device that helps people with paralysis in their arms and hands regain control of their movements, so they can do everyday tasks like eating on their own, and we’re looking for participants to help us make it work better for home use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1I01RX005072-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000647 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic tetraplegia due to spinal cord injury who are seeking to regain hand functionality.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve paralysis or those who do not have the capacity to engage with the technology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a neuroprosthesis that allows individuals with chronic tetraplegia to regain control of their hand movements using a brain-machine interface combined with functional electrical stimulation. The device aims to enable users to perform essential daily activities, such as self-feeding, by interpreting their brain signals and stimulating their muscles accordingly. Previous studies have shown promise in controlled environments, and this project seeks to adapt the technology for safe and effective use in home settings. Participants will be involved in testing and refining this innovative system to enhance their quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the independence and daily functioning of patients with chronic tetraplegia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar brain-machine interface technologies, indicating a promising potential for this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ajiboye, Abidemi Bolu — Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ajiboye, Abidemi Bolu
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Adaptive EMG-controlled skiing for people with high-level spinal cord injury
Aims to let people with severe spinal cord injuries control assistive devices more naturally using leftover muscle signals, starting with downhill skiing in a specialized ski.
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Optimizing sensory feedback to improve function after tetraplegia
Aimed at people with tetraplegia, this project tests new ways to restore natural-feeling touch through brain and nerve stimulation to improve how they reach, grasp, and use everyday activities.
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FES+BMI Neuroprosthesis for Home Use in Chronic Tetraplegia
A home-use brain-controlled hand prosthesis that helps people with chronic spinal cord injury regain everyday hand movements.
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Using a mobile robot to help people with severe spinal cord injuries live more independently
This study is working on a friendly robot that can help people with tetraplegia do everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating, making life a little easier and more independent while also supporting their emotional needs.
-
Using spinal cord stimulation to improve arm and hand movement in people with tetraplegia
This study is looking at how a special electrical stimulation technique can help veterans with neck injuries improve their arm and hand movements, making everyday tasks like reaching and grabbing easier and more effective.
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Portable control systems to operate a hand motor neuroprosthesis for people with tetraplegia
The study will test whether several fully portable, non‑invasive control methods (for example shoulder‑motion IMUs, surface EMG, touch/contact sensors, and voice) let adults with tetraplegia reliably control a hand motor neuroprosthesis.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.