Design and simulation of closed-loop electrical stimulation orthoses for restoration of quiet standing in paraplegia

Simulation models of quiet standing have been developed to study the potential use of closed-loop stimulation orthoses in mid-thoracic spinal cord injury. The first model (static) consists of a multi-link inverted pendulum. The second model (dynamic) consists of a single-link inverted pendulum, with electrically stimulated muscles providing balancing activation at the ankle joint and stabilization of the knee and hip joints. The initial simulations have shown that it may be possible to restore quiet standing in paraplegic individuals within certain limits subject to biomechanical constraints and to the available torque produced by the stimulated muscle.