Development of a network FES system for stroke rehabilitation

This paper describes a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) system based on the distributed network structure for rehabilitation of stroke patients. This FES system performs surface stimulation to activate the nerve of paretic muscles for training stroke patients to relearn motor functions. The main components of the networked FES system include a master unit (MU), a distributed stimulation-sensor unit (DSSU), and a clinical computer. In this system, the MU can drive a set of DSSUs, which is located at the node on the distributed network structure. The MU also stores the stimulation plan of rehabilitation training prescribed by clinicians. The DSSU serves as a single channel stimulator whose current amplitude, duration and frequency can be modulated by the MU. This system has two distinctive characters. First, since a stimulator is designed as a node on the network, the number of stimulation channels could be expanded according to specific needs. Second, a sensor component can be incorporated in the DSSU to allow monitoring physiological variables. The two features of system design make the networked FES system practical and flexible in clinical applications. We have completed a prototype of system including hardware and software. The evaluation test indicates that the system performance meets design specifications.