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The Vienna Functional Electrical Stimulation System for Restoration of Walking Functions in Spastic Paraplegia
Author(s) -
Bijak Manfred,
Mayr Winfried,
Rakos Monika,
Hofer Christian,
Lanmüller Hermann,
Rafolt Dietmar,
Reichel Martin,
Sauermann Stefan,
Schmutterer Christoph,
Unger Ewald,
Russold Michael,
Kern Helmut
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
artificial organs
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.684
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1525-1594
pISSN - 0160-564X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1525-1594.2002.06935.x
Subject(s) - functional electrical stimulation , stimulation , modularity (biology) , computer science , software , wireless , paraplegia , control unit , neuroprosthetics , medicine , physical medicine and rehabilitation , operating system , spinal cord , genetics , biology , psychiatry
An eight‐channel stimulation system, currently intended for stimulation of lower extremities, was developed and is introduced. The major development goals were easy handling, modularity to make the system easily adaptable for other functional electrical stimulation (FES) applications, and a wide stimulation parameter range for application‐specific parameter optimization. For paraplegic stepping, the system worn by the patient consists of 2 four‐channel stimulation modules, a central unit holding the battery and circuitry for power management and communication control, a wireless remote control unit, and a palmtop computer as the main control and input device. A software package for Microsoft Windows supports the design and optimization of stimulation sequences in the rehabilitation center. First tests with patients familiar with FES showed smoother movements during stepping and acceptable good handling. In combination with the PC software, the required stimulation sequences could be created in a very short time.