Find a Study on Rehabilitative and Assistive Technology

NICHD conducts and supports a variety of clinical research related to rehabilitative and assistive technology.

  • BrainGate2: Feasibility Study of an Intracortical Neural Interface System for Persons With Tetraplegia
    The purpose of this study is to obtain preliminary device safety information and demonstrate proof of principle (feasibility of efficacy) of the ability of people with tetraplegia to control a computer cursor and other assistive devices with their thoughts.
  • Contralaterally Controlled FES for Hand Opening in Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy
    This pilot study, involving children with cerebral palsy and upper limb weakness on one side of the body, tests a hand therapy video game intervention designed to improve muscle strength in an impaired limb through goal-directed movements.
  • Application of Targeted Reinnervation for People with Transradial Amputation
    This study is investigating whether combining targeted muscle reinnervation surgery and pattern recognition control will improve prosthesis control for people with transradial amputation, which preserves the elbow but removes the arm and hand below.
  • Brain Stimulation-aided Stroke Rehabilitation: Neural Mechanisms of Recovery
    This study investigates whether the benefits of training stroke patients’ affected hands can be improved by adding a painless, noninvasive technique of brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS). TDCS involves direct electrical currents applied over the part of the brain responsible for movements of the affected hand. Investigators are also studying brain changes that favor recovery of hand function following the combination of training and TDCS.
  • Neuromodulation for Accidental Bowel Leakage (NOTABLe)
    This study determines whether percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is an effective treatment for fecal incontinence in women who do not respond to supervised pelvic training and constipating medication. PTNS involves use of mild electrical pulses to stimulate nerves—in this case the tibial nerve, which is involved in sending messages to the bowel, rectum, and spinal cord.

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