Control Interfaces for Operating Assistive Devices

Launched by CENTRE BOUFFARD VERCELLI - USSAP · Jun 30, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is testing new ways for people with tetraplegia (a condition where the arms and legs are partly or completely paralyzed due to spinal cord injury) to control devices that help them move their hands. The study focuses on a special type of technology called a motor neuroprosthesis, which uses electrical stimulation to activate muscles and help with grasping movements. The researchers want to see if participants can successfully use portable control devices—like voice commands, sensors that detect muscle activity or movement, switches, joysticks, or ear-operated switches—to control these hand movements in real life, not just in a lab setting.

People who might be eligible for this study are adults between 18 and 80 years old who have had a spinal cord injury at the neck level (above the seventh cervical vertebra) and have a stable condition for at least three months. Participants need to be able to understand instructions and give feedback about using the devices, and they must be covered by a social security system in France. If you join the study, you can expect to try out several different control methods to see which ones work best for you in operating the neuroprosthesis. This research aims to develop practical, easy-to-use tools that could one day help people with paralysis regain more independence in daily activities.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Spinal cord injury defined by an AIS A, B or C score (AIS A, B or C): complete or incomplete motor deficit below the lesion. This is a standard for describing spinal cord injuries that has been internationally agreed upon.
• • Spinal cord injury at the neurological level \> C7
• • Age greater than or equal to 18 and less than or equal to 80 years
• • A history of more than 3 months of neurological stability, with no changes in muscle testing.
• • Participants capable of following instructions for testing and providing feedback on the use of the device.
• • Participants who have signed the informed consent form to participate in the study after being fully informed.
• • Participants affiliated with a social security system (either as a beneficiary or a dependent), excluding those covered by State Medical Aid (AME).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Participant deprived of liberty (by judicial or administrative decision).
• • Adult participants are under legal protection or unable to provide informed consent.
• • Participation in another ongoing clinical trial.
• • Unstable psychiatric condition.
• • Severe cognitive impairment.
• • Unstable acute medical condition
• • Insufficient proficiency in spoken and written French.