Article

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a promising assistive technology
for stroke rehabilitation.
Here we present the design and development of a
multimuscle stimulation system as an emerging therapy for people with paretic
stroke. A network-based multichannel NMES system was integrated based on dual bus
architecture of communication and an H-bridge current regulator with a power
booster. The structure of the system was a body area network embedded with
multiple stimulators and a communication protocol of controlled area network to
transmit muscle stimulation parameter information to individual stimulators. A
graphical user interface was designed to allow clinicians to specify temporal
patterns and muscle stimulation parameters. We completed and tested a prototype
of the hardware and communication software modules of the multichannel NMES
system. The prototype system was first verified in nondisabled subjects for
safety, and then tested in subjects with stroke for feasibility with assisting
multijoint movements. Results showed that synergistic stimulation of multiple
muscles in subjects with stroke improved performance of multijoint movements with
more natural velocity profiles at elbow and shoulder and reduced acromion
excursion due to compensatory trunk rotation. The network-based NMES system may
provide an innovative solution that allows more physiological activation of
multiple muscles in multijoint task training for patients with stroke.

Langue : ANGLAIS