Single channel hybrid FES gait system using an energy storing orthosis: preliminary design

Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2009:2009:6798-801. doi: 10.1109/IEMBS.2009.5333976.

Abstract

A new system for paraplegic gait by electrical stimulation is presented. The system combines electrical stimulation of the paralyzed quadriceps muscle with a hip-knee orthosis. The orthosis is spring-loaded and contains pneumatic components that store and transfer the energy from knee extension caused by quadriceps stimulation to a pneumatic actuator that drives hip motion. In this manner, cyclic hip and knee motion with arbitrary timing can be achieved using a single channel of surface stimulation. Previous work developed a dynamic model and bench top prototype of the energy storing system. Simulation and design prototypes are presented with the eventual goal of developing a wearable version of the complete gait system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Electric Stimulation / instrumentation*
  • Equipment Design
  • Gait / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Joints / physiopathology
  • Orthotic Devices*
  • Torque