Twelve years ago, a tragic accident during a family trip left Jessie Owen quadriplegic. A falling tree claimed the lives of her parents, severely injured her siblings, and drastically altered her life. “In that moment, my parents passed away, my siblings were severely injured, and I became quadriplegic,” Owen shared with ABC News. “I lost my independence. I lost my job. I lost my apartment. I lost my autonomy and the life that I dreamed for myself.” However, a newly FDA-approved device, the ARC-EX, offers renewed hope and a significant improvement in her quality of life.
The ARC-EX, a non-invasive therapeutic device developed by Onward Therapy, utilizes electrodes placed on the back of the neck to stimulate sensory nerves. Dr. Chet Moritz, a professor of rehabilitation medicine at the University of Washington, explained the process to ABC News: “It allows us to pass current through the skin to activate the sensory nerves as they enter the spinal cord. Now, those sensory nerves make direct connections to the motor nerves which help people to move.” This groundbreaking technology allows Owen to regain movement in her hands and arms.
Owen participated in the clinical trial for the ARC-EX and experienced remarkable progress. “I was wildly surprised and pleased to see that it was making meaningful change in my life,” she stated. Simple tasks that were once impossible are now within reach. “I can now paint with my hands. I can open a jar of peanut butter. I can tie my shoes.” The impact on her daily life is profound. Tasks that once took her 30 minutes, like getting dressed, now take only 12. Her required caregiving hours have also decreased significantly, from 20 hours a week to about eight.
The clinical trial results, published in Nature, support Owen’s experience. 72% of participants demonstrated improvement in hand and arm strength and function, leading to significant quality of life improvements. Beyond physical improvements, participants reported a decrease in muscle spasms, better sleep quality, and reduced pain, contributing to an overall increase in well-being.
Owen’s story highlights not just the technological advancements in the field of rehabilitation, but also the profound impact these advancements have on individuals’ lives. The ARC-EX has enabled her to regain a sense of independence and purpose. “I continued to gain function back, and I found I was able to pour more into other people,” Owen reflected. “The first indicator of success that I noticed was my own happiness. It works, and it gives us hope and passion.” The ARC-EX offers a promising future for individuals living with paralysis, providing a path toward greater independence and a more fulfilling life.
