The primary purpose of this project, is to evaluate the effect of a wheelchair mounted robotic arm (WMRA) to improve the functional independence of veterans with SCI.~The study will determine if the ability to perform marker tasks within the following four categories is improved after the 4 week training period using the robotic arm:~1. activities of daily living, 2. vocational tasks, 3. advanced tasks, and subject-specific tasks.~The secondary purposes of this project are the following: 1.Does quality of life (life satisfaction and health status) improve after a 4 week period of using the WMRA? 2. What are the perceived advantages of the WMRA to the veteran with SCI? Additionally, the study will evaluate the following: 1) ease of installation and usefulness of instructional manuals; 2) training requirements (time, tasks); 3) safety features; 4) reliability of the device; 5) home, community, and vocational applications; 6) user acceptability; 7) maintenance/ service; 8) portability; and possible modifications.
The primary purpose of this project, is to evaluate the effect of a wheelchair mounted robotic arm (WMRA) to improve the functional independence of veterans with SCI.~The study will determine if the ability to perform marker tasks within the following four categories is improved after the 4 week training period using the robotic arm:~1. activities of daily living, 2. vocational tasks, 3. advanced tasks, and subject-specific tasks.