Sleeve that reads muscle signals may restore hand grasp in paralysis
NCT ID NCT06087445
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tested a sleeve worn on the forearm that uses muscle signals to stimulate hand muscles, helping people with tetraplegia from spinal cord injury grasp and manipulate objects. Twelve adults with chronic cervical SCI completed a 12-week training program using the device. Researchers measured safety, feasibility, and early improvements in hand function.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- NeuroLife EMG-FES Sleeve System (a non-invasive device with surface electrodes that records muscle activity and stimulates muscles to help hand function)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could provide a non-implant way for people with tetraplegia to regain some hand control, improving daily tasks like gripping and pinching.
- What could go wrong
- This was a small pilot study with only 12 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The device is still experimental, and long-term benefits or risks are not yet known.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CERVICAL SPINAL CORD INJURY are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Battelle Memorial Institute
Columbus, Ohio, 43201, United States
-
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (Columbus Campus, Dodd Hall, Martha Morehouse Medical Pavillion)
Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Robotic exoskeleton takes on conventional therapy in spinal cord injury recovery trial
- Simple breathing exercise could ease lung problems after spinal cord injury
- Botulinum injection trial for arm spasticity halted early
- Surgery gives new hope for hand movement after paralysis
- Spinal stimulation study aims to rewire movement after injury
- Mind over paralysis: Brain-Controlled implant aims to move arms again