Resumen de Improvement in Activities of Daily Living using the Freehand: a System Designed for People with Tetraplegia

John Hobby, Julie Esnouf, Paul Taylor

• The Freehand system is an implanted device for people with C5/6 tetraplegia, international classification 0, 1 and 2. The implant is designed to improve hand function, particularly in those who lack voluntary muscles suitable for tendon transfer. This study investigated how the Freehand system was being used at home, work and leisure. Twelve participants, who were assessed, implanted and trained with the Freehand system, were reviewed against their preoperative goals.

  Prior to surgery, eight activities of daily living goals that the participant would like to perform with the Freehand system were selected by him or her. Each task was assessed in three sections: the set-up of the task, the performance and the take-down. The amount of assistance for each section was recorded. This was repeated after training had been completed and daily use established. Each participant was also asked to state a preference on how the tasks would be completed, whether with the system or by the method prior to surgery.

  The results of this study show an improvement in the participants' functional ability in their selected goals when using the Freehand system. The preference for using the Freehand system to complete tasks applied to 84% of the total 96 tasks chosen by the 12 participants in this study.