Development of a Coaching System for Functional Electrical Stimulation Rowing: A Feasibility Study in Able-Bodied...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Engineering
• Neuroprosthetics and Assistive Technology

Background:

• Functional electrical stimulation (FES) significantly impacts cardiovascular health in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients during rowing.
• Current FES rowing relies on manual control, requiring significant skill to achieve optimal stimulation timing.
• Delayed FES initiation can limit training benefits and cardiovascular improvements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an automated coaching system for optimizing FES initiation timing in rowing.
• To enhance user performance and training effectiveness for individuals with SCI.

Main Methods:

• Electromyography (EMG) of the quadriceps identified optimal FES timing ranges in able-bodied individuals.
• A coaching system was developed using vastus lateralis (VL) activation relative to seat position to control FES timing.
• The system's impact on button-pressing timing, power, and work output was evaluated in able-bodied participants.

Main Results:

• VL activation consistently preceded the anterior-most seat position, establishing a reliable timing cue.
• The coaching system significantly increased median power output (19.10 W vs. 16.48 W, p=0.031).
• Work output was also significantly higher with the coaching system (109.74 J vs. 65.25 J, p=0.047).

Conclusions:

• The developed coaching system effectively guides FES initiation to the optimal timing.
• Implementing this system leads to measurable improvements in rowing power and work output.
• This technology holds potential for enhancing FES-based rehabilitation and performance in SCI populations.