The effect of motor training using closed loop controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) on motor performance was studied in 5 spinal cord injured (SCI) volunteers. The subjects trained 2 to 3 times a week during 2 months on a newly developed rehabilitation robot (MotionMaker?). The FES induced muscle force could be adequately adjusted throughout the programmed exercises by the way of a closed loop control of the stimulation currents. The software of the MotionMaker? allowed spasms to be detected accurately and managed in a way to prevent any harm to the SCI persons. Subjects with incomplete SCI reported an increased proprioceptive awareness for motion and were able to achieve a better voluntary activation of their leg muscles during controlled FES. At the end of the training, the voluntary force of the 4 incomplete SCI patients was found increased by 388% on their most affected leg and by 193% on the other leg. Active mobilisation with controlled FES seems to be effective in improving motor function in SCI persons by increasing the sensory input to neuronal circuits involved in motor control as well as by increasing muscle strength.


    Access

    Download


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Closed loop electrical muscle stimulation in spinal cord injured rehabilitation


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2006-01-01


    Remarks:

    6th Mediterranean Forum of PRM, vol. 42, pp. 72-73


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Classification :

    DDC:    629 / 796





    Functional Electrical Stimulation for Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation at the University of Virginia and Duke University

    Cooper, E. / McElhaney, J. / Han, D. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2006


    A simple approach to estimate muscle forces and orthosis actuation in powered assisted walking of spinal cord-injured subjects

    Alonso, Javier / Romero, Francisco / Pàmies Vilà, Rosa et al. | BASE | 2011

    Free access


    Robot-assisted arm assessments in spinal cord injured patients: a consideration of concept study

    Keller, Urs / Schölch, Sabine / Albisser, Urs et al. | BASE | 2015

    Free access