ICEP: An Instrumented Cycling Ergometer Platform for the Assessment of Advanced FES Strategies

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Neuroprosthetics
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling is gaining traction for rehabilitation.
• A novel instrumented cycling ergometer platform has been developed.
• This platform aims to assess and optimize FES strategies for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a new instrumented cycling ergometer platform.
• To demonstrate its capability in determining effective electrical stimulation patterns.
• To assess stimulation strategies for enabling cycling movements in SCI subjects.

Main Methods:

• Developed an instrumented cycling ergometer platform.
• Determined stimulation patterns using two methods: EMG recordings from able-bodied subjects and force recordings from SCI subjects.
• Evaluated the efficiency of different stimulation patterns.

Main Results:

• The platform successfully identified adequate stimulation patterns for cycling.
• Stimulation patterns derived from SCI subject force output yielded 14% more power compared to EMG-derived patterns.
• Demonstrated the platform's utility in assessing stimulation strategy effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• The developed cycling platform is effective for determining and evaluating FES patterns.
• It serves as a valuable tool for future research into advanced FES strategies.
• Facilitates improved functional recovery and mobility for individuals with SCI.