ARC-EX Electrical Stimulation Technology
ARC-EX: electrical stimulation technology to improve arm and hand function
For patients recovering from a cervical spinal cord injury, ARC-EX’s noninvasive electrical stimulation technology may have benefits for increased hand sensation and strength when used during rehabilitative therapy.
This technology is available at Brooks Rehabilitation in the Neuro Recovery Center. It is intended for people aged 18-75 who have experienced an incomplete spinal cord injury in their cervical spine, levels C2-C8.
What is ARC-EX
ARC-EX is a noninvasive external spinal cord stimulation system that was developed to help people with chronic spinal cord injuries improve their functional recovery. It is the first technology of its kind cleared by the FDA for clinical practice.
Company profile
The technology was spearheaded by Onward Medical, a team of neuroscientists, neurosurgeons and innovators who collaborate with research and clinical institutions across the nation and globally for trials and studies.
How it works
The system delivers electrical pulses to the cervical spinal cord through the skin by a set of electrodes placed on the back of the neck and on the trunk. The goal of the treatment is to restore impaired communication pathways to the hand.
It is to be used during daily rehabilitation activities to help patients achieve more sensation and strength in their hands, which increases independence when performing activities of daily living.
A major clinical trial conducted on the technology has reported that 90% of participants experienced improved strength and/or function as well as increased sensation in their upper extremities. Eighty-seven percent of participants reported an enhanced quality of life, some even reported improvement many years post injury.
ARC-EX therapy at Brooks
ARC-EX technology is available as a therapeutic intervention for patients with a cervical spinal cord injury at Brooks Rehabilitation. Patients who are interested in being evaluated if this technology is appropriate for them at their current level of recovery, can do so through our outpatient therapy program at the Brooks Neuro Recovery Center (NRC).
Brooks has specially trained occupational and physical therapists to deliver ARC-EX treatment while also supporting patients continuing rehabilitation goals at the NRC.
About the Neuro Recovery Center (NRC)
The NRC is staffed with highly knowledgeable and expert neurological specialists. Physical and occupational therapists work alongside exercise physiologists and personal trainers to ensure a high quality of care for our outpatient therapy patients as well as our community independent gym members.
NRC attendees can access a wide variety of innovative rehabilitation technology through a membership with the Neuro Recovery Center (NRC). The center is open five days a week and also serves as a specialized gym for those with neurologic injuries who want to continue working on their recovery goals.
Contact Us
To learn more about accessing ARC-EX technology at the Neuro Recovery Center, please contact us or click the button below to fill out our request form by selecting “technology rehabilitation.”
(904) 345-6812
[email protected]
Fax: (904) 345-7663
Locations
We have two Neuro Recovery Centers – Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital-University Campus and Orange Park Outpatient Clinic.