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The purpose of the
Neuroprosthesis for Walking program is to discern the long-term benefits of
FES therapy on walking function in
incomplete spinal cord injury (ISCI) subjects. We have completed a pilot study,
and the results are very promising. A significant improvement in walking
speed and/or a reduction in the required use of assistive devices resulted
after using a custom-designed neuroprosthesis two to five times weekly for
16 or more weeks. We are now conducting a randomized
treatment-versus-control study to determine if the benefits truly resulted
from FES usage. This study involves
people with ISCI. Some subjects enter the study able to walk over ground,
with or without supervision, and others require a body-weight support
treadmill to perform walking motions. We hope our research will demonstrate
that regular FES usage can induce permanent
functional improvements, and help us to determine factors that indicate
which patients can most benefit from the technology.
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