Get a Grip

A groundbreaking study.

Functional recovery

The Get a Grip study is a revolutionary research initiative aimed at dramatically improving hand and respiratory function for individuals living with chronic tetraplegia. This study is part of Project Spark, a cutting-edge collaboration between CatWalk and SpinalCure Australia.

From November 2024, a new study site at Rope Neuro Rehabilitation in Auckland is underway. Bringing Get a Grip to New Zealand, accelerates participant recruitment and enhances the scope of this research.

Purpose of the study

Get a Grip explores the effectiveness of cervical spinal stimulation combined with exercise therapy, to improve upper limb and breathing function. The study specifically focuses on individuals with chronic tetraplegia to evaluate whether this combination of non-invasive interventions can significantly boost hand and respiratory function. If successful, it will lead to greater independence and improved quality of life.

Key objectives

  • Improve hand function and dexterity
  • Enhance respiratory function
  • Understand the effects of transcutaneous neurostimulation on the spinal cord and its potential to unlock new levels of functional recovery.

Why participate?

Participation in the Get a Grip study offers a unique opportunity to be part of cutting-edge research that may lead to life-changing treatments. Held at Rope Neuro Rehabilitation in Auckland, the study is designed to provide the highest standard of care and the latest innovations in spinal stimulation and rehabilitation.

Led by neuro physiotherapist Julie Rope, the expert team will ensure participants receive comprehensive support throughout the study. Moreover, the interventions used in this study may provide participants with a noticeable improvement in hand and respiratory functions, offering new levels of independence and improved quality of life.

Study details

  • Get a Grip: Spinal stimulation for upper limb and respiratory function in tetraplegia
  • New Zealand Site Lead: Julie Rope, Neuro Physiotherapist, Rope Neuro Rehabilitation
  • Chief Investigator, Australia: Professor Jane Butler, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA)
  • Study Site: Rope Neuro Rehabilitation Ltd, Auckland
  • Intervention: Transcutaneous neurostimulation (non-invasive)
  • Primary Focus: Upper limb and respiratory function
  • Eligibility: Individuals with tetraplegia, both complete & incomplete, at least 1-year post-injury, over 18 years of age.
  • Duration: 6 weeks, with 3 visits per week
  • Location: Auckland
  • When: Enrolling from November 2024
  • Ethics Committee Reference: 19662

Research opportunity

Are you interested in participating in research? Download participant details here, and register below:

Register your interest

If you or someone you know is living with chronic tetraplegia, we invite you to register your interest to participate in Get a Grip NZ – conducted at Rope Neuro Rehabilitation, Auckland.

Complete your expression of interest:
We are on the verge of being able to make the unbelievable, believable so we’re doubling down on our push to fund these trials and change lives.

Make a difference, today.

Spinal cord injury does not have to be a life sentence. A cure is within reach.
Your support helps to bring that cure closer.
Thank you.