“I was struggling to hold things, especially with my left hand,” says Matt. “I’ve had a couple of surgeries over the years. They gave me the ability to open my hand, but I didn’t get the grip. I couldn’t really pick anything up, certainly not anything with any weight.”

Matt was the sixth New Zealander to participate in Get a Grip, a collaboration between CatWalk and SpinalCure Australia. This study, now in its final stages, has been exploring the effectiveness of non-invasive transcutaneous stimulation to boost hand and respiratory function.

The donation you make today will help to support innovative, real-life studies to improve treatment for everyone. Donate here.

“Get a Grip has really worked for me,” Matt says. “I’ve been able to pick things up that are quite heavy. Things that I wouldn’t normally be able to pick up, like a full drink bottle. Now I’m able to grip that and pick it up, and it’s really good.”

Loss of hand function after a spinal cord injury is common. People may have difficulty opening their hand (clawing). Many lose the ability to grip. Fine motor function is often affected, so it’s hard to manipulate buttons or pick up small items.  Even people who regain the use of their legs may still have problems with their hands. And it may get worse over time.

For Matt and people with similar symptoms, the use of their hands impacts both their independence and their confidence. We’re reliant on our hands to eat, to drink, to brush our hair. We use them to type, to text, and to work. They allow us to play sports, to cook, and to engage with friends and family.

Clench your fists for just a few minutes and feel what it’s like trying to do a simple task. Try holding your coffee or eating a sandwich. How do you brush your child’s hair or grab your sports bag?

The final Kiwi participants will complete Get a Grip over the next few months. Formal results from this Anzac study are due to be published by the end of the year. We thank the Lindsay Foundation for their support of this innovative study.

Matt is a husband and a father. He plays wheelchair rugby and is active in his family and community. In his work life, as a Peer Supporter with Spinal Support NZ, he uses his experience to help others navigate their journey after a spinal cord injury.

For Matt, his hand function is more important than walking again. Studies like Get a Grip are having a real-life impact right now. Please make your donation today.

Matt and Keryn Hoani

Get a Grip hands

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