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The Combined Use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Robotic Therapy for the Upper Limb
Published on: September 23, 2018
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Electrical stimulation in upper limb assistance: opportunities and challenges
Nathan Routledge1,2,3, Dingguo Zhang1,2,3, Benjamin Metcalfe1,2,3
1Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
|February 2, 2026
Summary
Electrical stimulation (ES) in wearable devices can aid upper limb function for those with motor impairments. Exploring new ES protocols beyond functional electrical stimulation (FES) is key to improving assistive technology and user adoption.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Technology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Rising non-communicable diseases and aging populations increase demand for assistive care.
- Upper limb impairments impact daily living and healthcare costs.
- Wearable electrical stimulation (ES) offers potential for independence and reduced care burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of ES in upper limb assistive technology.
- To identify user requirements and challenges with current ES strategies.
- To explore novel ES protocols beyond functional electrical stimulation (FES).
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing literature.
- Assessment of user needs and practical stimulation challenges.
- Evaluation of alternative ES strategies for upper limb assistance.
Main Results:
- Limited information exists on optimal ES protocols and associated challenges.
- Conventional FES techniques have limitations for upper limb assistance.
- Addressing practical stimulation difficulties is crucial for user acceptance and device use.
Conclusions:
- Novel ES strategies beyond FES show promise for upper limb assistive technology.
- Research into alternative protocols can enhance user uptake and minimize device abandonment.
- Further investigation into stimulation strategies is needed for advanced upper limb assistive devices.
Keywords:
assistive technology (AT)electrical stimulation (ES)hybrid assistive devicesnerve stimulationneuromuscular stimulationneuroprosthesisupper limb (UL)More Related Videos
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