Linking Hand Biomechanics and Functional Ability after Tetraplegia

Principal Investigators: Wendy M. Murray, PhD and Hunter Peckham, PhD

Project Staff: Kevin Kilgore, PhD

Project Category: Spinal Cord Injury

Objective: The primary objective of this research is to establish quantitative measures of hand impairment that predict the ability to perform a simple task. A second objective of this research is to establish a strong collaboration between the VA Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Center of Excellence and the VA Palo Alto Health Care System (PAHCS) Center of Excellence on Mobility. This project provides a mechanism for the two VA Centers to develop comparable tools and techniques for quantifying hand and upper extremity function after spinal cord injury. In addition, this work will lead to continual collaboration on quantitative evaluation and computer simulation of the tetraplegic upper extremity.

Research Plan: This project proposes to use mechanical analysis to characterize the mechanical criteria to complete a simple task, develop hardware and software necessary to quantify hand impairment and the ability to complete the task and transfer the technology from the VA Palo Alto Health Care System to the Cleveland VA Center of Excellence, test subjects, and use computer simulations to link hand impairment and function.

Work Accomplished: Most of the effort this grant period has been expended on hardware and software development and transfer of the device to Cleveland. We have accomplished the following:

• purchase of a MicroScribe digitizing system and ATI force sensor
• fabrication of special components,
• transfer of the system to Cleveland,
• development of operation manuals regarding how to operate hardware and software,
• development of software that will be used to perform the experiments, the software is now complete and is beginning the final evaluation stage,
• a joint meeting of the two centers has been carried out to plan the experimental details

Expected Outcomes: The ability to link quantitative, objective impairment measures such as pinch force and range of motion, with the ability to perform a simple task will provide new alternatives for assessing clinical outcomes. Accomplishing this aim will also greatly improve the ability to evaluate the functional implications of computer simulations and anatomical studies, which are often implemented to gain insight into the biomechanical effects of surgical interventions. Understanding the link between hand biomechanics and functional ability is critical for the design, assessment, and improvement of rehabilitative strategies to restore hand function.

Funding Source: VA RR&D Merit Review

Funding Status: Funded