NESS H200 (formerly HandMaster-NMS-1)

The NESS H200 developed by Nathan et al., and produced by Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulator Systems, Ra’anana, Israel is the only commercially available upper limb surface FES system (Ragnarsson 2008). It has been FDA approved for use with stroke patients. It is predominantly used as an exercise tool for stroke subjects and is commercially available in a limited number of countries (Popovic et al. 2002). The NESS H200 has three surface stimulation channels used to generate grasping function in tetraplegic and stroke subjects. One channel is used to stimulate extensor digitorum communis muscle at the volar side of the forearm. The second channel stimulates the flexor digitorium superficialis and profundus muscles. The third stimulation channel generates thumb opposition. The system is controlled with a push button that triggers the hand opening and closing functions. The system is easy to don and doff. However, it does have some limitations in its design. The system is limited by not enough sufficient flexibility to vary the position of the electrodes for stimulation of the finger flexors for grasp; it is a stiff orthosis that fixes the wrist joint angle and prevents full supination of the forearm (Popovic et al. 2002).