People affected by paralysis, the impaired ability to move a body part, could enjoy more independence, better health and a higher quality of life thanks to an innovative system designed by researchers at the University of Glasgow to improve fitness and increase arm strength.

The new system has been devised by Professor Ken Hunt and his team at the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University, and uses electrical signals to stimulate movement in arm muscles where function has been lost, making it possible to work an arm-exercise machine.

Similar to an exercise bike but worked by the arms, the machine enables people with paralysis to enjoy the health benefits of regular work-outs. For those with some function in their arms, it also helps them become strong enough to perform more activities unaided, such as wheelchair propulsion, moving from wheelchair to bed/bath, washing and eating etc. Aimed at people with injuries to the spinal cord, the system may be able to help those with paralysis caused by strokes or head injuries too.

The breakthrough is the result of a collaborative project undertaken by University of Glasgow and Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit with funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). A company is now commercialising the research with a view to a product launch in the coming months

Using electrodes placed on the skin, small pulses of electricity are delivered to the nerves serving the biceps and triceps, replacing signals from the brain that can no longer reach the nerves. Controlled from a computer, the signals' timing and strength can be adjusted to suit individual needs, for example when signs of muscle fatigue become apparent. The arm-exercise machine is linked into the computer system, enabling the effort needed to turn the machine to be adjusted.

Tetraplegic Sean Roake was one of the volunteers who worked with the project team during the research. His training programme, which consisted of three 20-30 minute sessions per week for several months, resulted in a 450% increase in muscle strength and a 50% increase in cardiopulmonary fitness. He says: "Everyday activities such as wheelchair-to-car transfers are so much easier now. I feel extremely positive knowing that I've taken responsibility for improving my health by exercising regularly using this system".

Sylvie Coupaud, Research Assistant on the project and now a clinical scientist at the Spinal Injuries Unit, says: "By working closely with consultants at the unit, we identified the need for new exercise options in spinal cord injury. The technology we developed may offer a useful rehabilitation and home exercise tool for some people with tetraplegia".

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

For more details call Professor Ken Hunt on 0141 330 2468/ 4043, e-mail: kenh@eng.gla.ac.uk.

First published: 2 August 2005