A recently published article in the scientific journal "
A spinal cord injury, higher in the spinal column, often involves impairment of both upper and lower limb function. Loss of hand function is perceived as a high priority area for rehabilitation since it affects quality of life and the ability to be independent.
Despite the intensive hand rehabilitation therapy and compensatory strategies developed during the sub-acute phase, a spinal cord injury often results in a significantly impaired limb function. Activities of daily living (ADL) such as feeding, grooming, and dressing become difficult without normal hand function, and often make the individual dependent on the help of caregivers even for the most basic tasks.
The pilot study investigated the therapeutic effect of a self-administered home-based hand rehabilitation program for people with cervical spinal cord injury using the SEM™ Glove by
Already at week 6 of the therapy an improvement in hand function was showed, including improvement in object manipulation and palmar grasp. A significant improvement in pinch strength, with reduced thumb muscle hypertonia was also detected. Improvements in function were present during Week 12 assessment and also during the follow-up.
The conclusion from the study is that rehabilitation using the SEM™ Glove is effective for improving and retaining gross and fine hand motor function for people with chronic spinal cord injury. Retention of the improvement in hand function suggests that intensive activity-based rehabilitation improves long-term neuromuscular activity in individuals.
* Osuagwu, B.A., Timms, S., Peachment, R. et al. Home-based rehabilitation using a soft robotic hand glove device leads to improvement in hand function in people with chronic spinal cord injury:a pilot study. J NeuroEngineering Rehabil 17, 40 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-020-00660-y
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SEM™ technology
About Carbonhand®
Carbonhand (formerly called SEM™ Glove) is a grip enhancing robotic glove that facilitates a normal movement pattern. It adds extra strength when this is most needed and reinforces the hand's functions. Carbonhand improves strength in the hand for people with impaired hand function.
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The company has a unique global position within soft exoskeleton technology for the hand, both for industrial applications to improve the health for workers and to improve quality of life for people with reduced muscle strength.
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