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A strategy used by paraplegics to stand up using FES
1Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, University College London, U.K.
IEEE Transactions on Rehabilitation Engineering : a Publication of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society
|June 19, 1998
Summary
Paraplegics can stand using leg muscle stimulation and upper body control. They use a "quick knee-locking" strategy, leveraging arm strength to extend knees and hips efficiently.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Neurorehabilitation
Background:
- Functional electrical stimulation (FES) enables paraplegics to stand.
- Upper body control is crucial for standing up with FES.
- Understanding patient strategies can optimize FES system development.
Observation:
- Two individuals with paraplegia were studied during standing.
- Handle forces and body posture were meticulously measured.
- Data was analyzed to correlate upper body forces with leg joint movements.
Findings:
- A distinct strategy termed "quick knee-locking" was identified.
- The upper body actively assists in extending the knee joints first.
- Hip extension follows knee extension, indicating a coordinated movement pattern.
Implications:
- The "quick knee-locking" strategy may optimize force distribution.
- This understanding can inform the design of advanced FES controllers.
- Improved FES systems could enhance mobility and independence for paraplegics.