Tethered Pelvic Assist Device for Recovery of Standing After Severe SCI
Kessler Foundation
Summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate how standing and sitting balance control is altered after spinal cord injury (SCI) and how a new type of robotic assistive device may be used to improve muscle function. This device is called the Tethered Pelvic Assist Device, or TPAD. The main aims are to: 1\. Examine muscle activation patterns generated during different types of standing in spinal cord injured individuals using robotic assistance or self-assistance for balance 2 and 3. Examine the effectiveness of robotic-assisted stand training in the improvement of posture control during different types of standing and sitting in spinal cord injured individuals. Participants will be placed into one of 5 groups based on a physical classification of their spinal cord injury: Group 1: * Individuals with SCI that can stand independently * Will receive TPAD training * Will undergo standing, posture, sitting, and stepping assessments * Participation in this group will last about six months Group 2: * Individuals with SCI that cannot stand independently * Will receive TPAD training * Will undergo standing, posture, sitting, and stepping assessments * Participation in this group will last about 6 months Group 3: * Individuals with SCI that can stand independently * Will undergo standing and posture assessments * Participation in this group will last about 2 weeks Group 4: * Individuals with SCI that cannot stand independently * Will undergo standing and posture assessments * Participation in this group will last about 2 weeks Group 5: * Individuals without a SCI * Will undergo standing, posture, and sitting assessments * Participation in this group will last about 2 weeks
Description
The investigators will be testing a device called the Tethered Pelvic Assist Device or TPAD. The TPAD provides active control and support of the trunk, pelvis, and knees during training to improve the ability to stand. Also, the TPAD can be used to safely challenge participants during standing by providing controlled "pushes" or "perturbations" that must be corrected for in order to maintain proper posture and upright balance. This could be helpful for improving muscle function after spinal cord injury. Methodology: The Tethered Pelvic Assist Device (TPAD) is a light-weight cable-driven robo…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: 1. At least 18 years of age at the time of enrollment; 2. stable medical condition 3. at least one year post-spinal cord injury (Groups 1-4) 4. non-progressive, traumatic SCI above T10 (Groups 1-4) 5. Injury Grade A, B, C or D (Groups 1-4) 6. ability to stand independently for short periods of time, not exceeding 1 hour (Groups 1 and 3) 7. inability to stand independently (Groups 2 and 4) Exclusion Criteria: 1. unwillingness to wean from anti-spasticity medications; 2. untreated painful musculoskeletal dysfunction, unhealed fracture, contracture, pressure sore or urinary…
Interventions
- DeviceThe Tethered Pelvic Assist Device (TPAD)
a light-weight cable-driven robotic stand trainer that (i) can provide assistance-as-needed by applying corrective forces on the trunk and pelvis in response to their movement outside a pre-programmed area, and (ii) can apply controlled forces on the trunk and pelvis to perturb them from their nominal configuration during standing.
Location
- Kessler FoundationWest Orange, New Jersey