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Satisfaction with and usage of a hand neuroprosthesis
K Stroh Wuolle1, C L Van Doren, A M Bryden
1Functional Electrical Stimulation Center, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland VA Medical Center, OH 44109-1998, USA.
Objective:
To measure the satisfaction with, clinical impact of, and use of an implantable hand neuroprosthesis.
Setting:
Eight different medical centers.
Participants:
Thirty-four individuals with spinal cord injuries at the C5 or C6 motor level.
Interventions:
Participants were implemented with a hand neuroprosthesis that provides grasp and release. The neuroprosthesis includes a surgically implanted stimulator, implanted electrodes sutured to the hand and forearm muscles, and an externally mounted controller.
Main Outcome Measure:
A survey was mailed to study participants, who were asked to respond to statements such as "If I had it to do over, I would have the hand system implanted again," using a 5-level Likert scale ("strongly agree" to "strongly disagree").
Results:
Eighty-seven percent of participants were very satisfied with the neuroprosthesis, 88% reported a positive impact on their life, 87% reported improvements in activities of daily living, and 81% reported improved independence. Participants reported using the neuroprosthesis a median of 5.5 days per week; 15 participants used the neuroprosthesis 7 days per week, and 5 participants reported not using the device.
Conclusions:
The neuroprosthesis was used by most participants. The neuroprosthesis performed satisfactorily, increased users' ability to perform activities of daily living and independence, and improved their quality of life.