# Powered Hand Grip Orthosis for Functional Independence

> **NIH NIH R43** · RUSH RIVER RESEARCH CORPORATION · 2020 · $250,208

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Rush River Research proposes to develop a new powered handgrip device with a novel control system that is
easily donned/doffed to restore functional independence for persons living with spinal cord injuries. In the United
States, 285,000 people live with spinal cord injuries (SCIs), and 17,000 new cases occur each year. More than
half of SCIs are cervical injuries, which result in various levels of tetraplegia. In a survey aimed at uncovering
recovery priorities of cervical SCI patients, nearly 50% of respondents reported that re-gaining arm and hand
function would most significantly improve their quality of life. Orthotics have been shown to improve strength and
neuromuscular health and improve independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) in individuals with cervical SCI,
but most existing technology is aimed at restoring arm, not hand function, leaving a critical gap in the market.
Rush River Research has assembled a team of experienced orthotics developers and a clinical collaborator to
ensure the design meets the needs of the target population.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10008061
- **Project number:** 1R43HD100213-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** RUSH RIVER RESEARCH CORPORATION
- **Principal Investigator:** Julie Lundstrom
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $250,208
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-08-07 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10008061

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10008061, Powered Hand Grip Orthosis for Functional Independence (1R43HD100213-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10008061. Licensed CC0.

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