Wearable Artificial Muscle for a Tetraplegic Hand

Wearable Artificial Muscle for a Tetraplegic HandPublic Health

Patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) often lose the ability to complete activities of daily living (ADLs) requiring basic hand dexterity. Dr. H.S. Chhabra, Medical Director & Chief Of Spine Services at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre and his team of investigators are in the process of developing a wearable artificial muscle for a tetraplegic hand. This innovative exoskeletal glove simulates muscle movement, enabling the wearer to live a more independent life. Features of this prototype include:

• A fish-bone like structure containing soft pneumatic actuators, enabling the wearer to perform a cylindrical grasp.
• A thumb splint to keep it static–all movement is through the fingers.
• Users can release the air pressure anytime from the soft pneumatic actuators with the press of a single button.
• Registration with the Clinical Trial Registry of India for patient recruitment and testing, which will begin in late February, 2020.