Study 1

Purpose: We aim to explore how motor units - groups of nerve cells in the spinal cord controlling muscles - behave in individuals with spinal cord injury. We aim to use the muscle activity that remains after a spinal cord injury to control external devices like computers and tablets.

Who can participate?

• Individuals diagnosed with cervical Spinal Cord Injury with upper limb weakness, especially in the hand.
• At least 6 months since injury. 
• Aged 18 and over.
• Be able to travel to London for testing.

What does participation involve?

• We will use a technique to study the activity of your motor units called HD-EMG (high-density electromyography). This involves recording the electrical activity of your muscles using electrodes taped to the skin over the muscles. 
• We will ask you to perform some computer-based tasks whilst HD-EMG is being recorded. This will include using your muscle activity to control the movement of cursors.
• Total session duration: approximately 3 hours per session, including breaks. 

Compensation:  Participants will be reimbursed for travel and compensated £15 per hour for their time.

Study 2

Study 2 has the same aims and inclusion criteria as Study 1 with the following differences:

• We will record muscle activity with a small electrode temporarily implanted into your muscle with a small needle (in addition to an electrode taped to your skin).
• There will be one session, lasting a maximum of 8 hours.

If you are interested in taking part in either study please contact Dr Vishal Rawji for more details by emailing [email protected]  

Study 1 is sponsored by Imperial College London and received favourable opinion from the NHS Research Ethics Committee (REC Reference 23/SW/0140). 

Study 2 is sponsored by Imperial College London (ICREC Project ID: 19IC5640). 

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