Journal
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
Volume 16, Issue -, Pages -Publisher
FRONTIERS MEDIA SA
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.944291
Keywords
functional electrical stimulation (FES); lower limbs; neurorehabilitation; gait assistance; adaptive reflexive control strategy
Categories
Funding
- National Key R&D Program of China
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin
- [2020YFC2004300]
- [2020YFC2004302]
- [82001921]
- [20JCZDC0080]
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This study developed a multiple-channel FES walking assistance system based on an adaptive reflexive control strategy, which can improve gait assistance and rehabilitation for patients. By integrating a reflexive FES controller with an iterative learning algorithm, the system can generate fitted stimulation sequences based on real-time gait phase detection and feedback. The results showed improved motion range in hip, knee, and ankle joints, especially in hip and knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion, compared to purely reflexive FES control.
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) neuroprostheses have been regarded as an effective approach for gait rehabilitation and assisting patients with stroke or spinal cord injuries. A multiple-channel FES system was developed to improve the assistance and restoration of lower limbs. However, most neuroprostheses need to be manually adjusted and cannot adapt to individual needs. This study aimed to integrate the purely reflexive FES controller with an iterative learning algorithm while a multiple-channel FES walking assistance system based on an adaptive reflexive control strategy has been established. A real-time gait phase detection system was developed for accurate gait phase detection and stimulation feedback. The reflexive controller generated stimulation sequences induced by the gait events. These stimulation sequences were updated for the next gait cycle through the difference between the current and previous five gait cycles. Ten healthy young adults were enrolled to validate the multiple-channel FES system by comparing participants' gait performance to those with no FES controller and purely reflexive controller. The results showed that the proposed adaptive FES controller enabled the adaption to generate fitted stimulation sequences for each participant during various treadmill walking speeds. The maximum, minimum, and range of motion (ROM) of the hip, knee, and ankle joints were furtherly improved for most participants, especially for the hip and knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion compared with the purely reflexive FES control strategy. The presented system has the potential to enhance motor relearning and promote neural plasticity.
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