Article

We demonstrated a method for enhancing the tenodesis
grip in individuals with sustained tetraplegia with spinal
cord lesion at the C6­C7 neurological level. Subjects used the
myoelectric activity from wrist extensor muscles to directly
control the electrical stimulation of the extrinsic finger and
thumb flexors (flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum
superficialis/profondus) with the use of a specially designed
system, Myoelectrically Controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation
(MeCFES). We screened 20 medical records and
selected 9 subjects. Of the nine subjects, five showed a positive
response to the surface stimulation and could test the system;
the other four failed to achieve functional finger flexion
because of skin sensitivity or inadequate movement. We evaluated
hand function, with and without the MeCFES system,
using tests involving three everyday objects: manipulating a
videocassette with the key grip, drinking from a bottle with the
palmar grasp, and writing with a pen using the tripod grip.
Without the system, none of the five subjects could complete
all three tasks; but, when assisted with MeCFES, all subjects
completed all the tasks. The system proved simple and intuitively
easy to use, and no training was needed for subjects to
obtain immediate functionality. We will need further research
to evaluate the usefulness of the system in activities of daily
living.

Langue : ANGLAIS