[Method and construction of programmed electric muscle stimulation in gait disorders]

The Research Institute of Prosthesis and Prosthesis Making, Moscow, has developed a method for artificial movement correction (AMC) and designed a programmable muscle electrostimulation device (PMED) for its application. The essence of the AMC method is that to use a multichannel PMED in a good agreement with the natural programme of muscle excitation and contraction in the locomotor cycle. Due to this, many days' training enhances the viability of muscles, corrects movements, and gives rise to near-normal gait. The AMC method was used to design stationary and portable electro-stimulators synchronized with step phases wherein muscles function. Among other things, an 8-channel movement correcting apparatus controlled from a personal computer, which is adjustable to the walking rate has been designed. The AMC method has shown a high therapeutical effect in over 4500 neurological and orthopedic patients.