FES+BMI Neuroprosthesis for Home Use in Chronic Tetraplegia

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project aims to bring a brain-controlled hand and arm prosthesis home for people living with chronic tetraplegia from spinal cord injury. It combines electrical stimulation of muscles with an implanted brain interface to interpret movement intent and drive the reanimated hand. Earlier work showed a person with tetraplegia performing basic daily tasks in the lab; now the team plans to advance the system for real-world use. The effort includes improving muscle control with refined nerve cuffs and expanding brain-machine recording to enhance dexterity.

Why it matters

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.

• 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.

  NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11424905

• 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.

  NIH research Case Western Reserve University · Cleveland, United States · NIH-11378279

• 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.

  NIH research Charles River Analytics, INC. · Cambridge, United States · NIH-11180646

• 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.

  NIH research Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital · Hines, United States · NIH-11002668

• Creating a device to help people with paralysis use their hands at home

  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.

  NIH research Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center · Cleveland, United States · NIH-11000647

• 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.

  Recruiting Centre Bouffard Vercelli - USSAP · Perpignan · NCT07058506

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.