Paraplegia

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a surgically implanted functional electrical stimulation (FES) system to facilitate exercise, standing, stepping and/or balance in people with various degrees of paralysis.

Spinal cord injury (SCI)-related paraplegia is a complex neurological condition characterized by motor impairment, increased spasticity, and significant functional limitations in daily activities. Spasticity is one of the most common secondary complications after upper motor neuron lesions and can negatively affect rehabilitation outcomes, gait ability, and functional independence. This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) applied to the quadriceps muscle in individuals with paraplegia. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving conventional neurorehabilitation or an intervention group receiving additional FES treatment. The primary outcomes include changes in spasticity level, quadriceps muscle strength, and functional mobility. Spasticity will be assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), muscle strength will be evaluated with Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), and functional mobility will be measured using the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). The intervention period will last 8 weeks, with standardized rehabilitation programs applied to both groups. The FES group will additionally receive quadriceps stimulation with specific neuromuscular electrical stimulation parameters. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of FES as an adjunct to conventional rehabilitation in improving motor function and functional independence in individuals with paraplegia.

The objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of remote manual wheelchair skills training program. First, peer coaches will be enrolled and trained. Then, trainees will be enrolled into one of three interventions: intervention with remote feedback (Group 1), and a wait list control group (Group 2).

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a surgically implanted functional electrical stimulation (FES) system to facilitate stability of the trunk and hips. FES involves applying small electric currents to the nerves, which cause the muscles to contract. This study evaluates how stabilizing and stiffening the trunk with FES can change the way spinal cord injured volunteers sit, breathe, reach, push a wheelchair, or roll in bed.