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Paradigms of Lower Extremity Electrical Stimulation Training After Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: February 1, 2018
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Development of a High-Power Capacity Open Source Electrical Stimulation System to Enhance Research into FES-Assisted
Tiago Coelho-Magalhães1, Emerson Fachin-Martins2, Andressa Silva3
1Graduate Program in Electrical Engineering, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 22, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed an open-source Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) platform for cycling assistance. This system enables advanced control strategies and demonstrates potential for individuals with spinal cord injury.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Technology
- Neuroprosthetics
Background:
- Global efforts since Cybathlon 2016 focus on Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) for cycling, aiming for recreational physical activity.
- Existing commercial FES devices often limit advanced control strategies and sensor integration, hindering research and development.
- A need exists for adaptable, open-source FES platforms to support novel developments and precise assessment in FES-assisted cycling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an open-source Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) platform designed for enhanced adaptability and power capacity.
- To demonstrate the platform's capabilities by implementing a complete FES cycling system.
- To validate the system's effectiveness for individuals with spinal cord injury.
Main Methods:
- Developed a high-power capacity (150 mA, 1000 µs, 100 Hz) constant current stimulation device capable of biphasic pulses.
- Created an Android mobile application for parameter control across eight stimulation channels.
- Implemented a proportional-integral controller for cadence tracking to optimize cycling performance.
Main Results:
- Functional testing with a volunteer with complete paraplegia demonstrated successful indoor cycling for 45 minutes and over 5 km on a passive trainer.
- The volunteer achieved 2400 meters overground cycling in 32 minutes, validating the system's practical application.
- The FES cycling system proved effective as a cycling tool for individuals with spinal cord injury.
Conclusions:
- The developed open-source FES platform offers greater adaptability and power than commercial alternatives.
- The system successfully facilitated FES-assisted cycling, demonstrating its potential for rehabilitation and recreation.
- Advanced control techniques show promise for maximizing pedaling duration and improving FES efficiency.
