Showing papers on "Functional electrical stimulation published in 1979"

Programmed Six-Channel Electrical Stimulator for Complex Stimulation of Leg Muscles During Walking

Abstract: Recent trends in the field of functional electrical stimulation (FES) of stroke patients are presented together with a short history of the development of the field. The methodical steps which led towards the construction of a six-channel electrical stimulator are given. The criteria for detennining the number of stimulation channels are highlighted and FES problems of stance phase active stimulation are discussed. The stimulator described is intended for FES assistance of a patient's gait. Stimulation is synchronized with the gait by means of a shoe-insole heel switch. A review of design principles and functions employed is presented in detail, together with a discussion emphasizing problems of multi-site FES in swing and stance phases during locomotion. A discussion of preliminary experience obtained by using the stimulator clinicaly is also presented and ideas for future work are given.

EMG-controlled functional electrical stimulation of the paretic hand.

Abstract: A new apparatus is described which delivers a functional electric stimulation, controlled by the peak EMG output signal as recorded from the forearm muscles. Twelve paretic hands were stimulated with this apparatus. The EMG output, the stimulus strength, the stimulus frequency, and the corresponding improvement of the wrist extension force were measured. Different arrangements of electrodes and various relay adjustments were tested. The investigations showed that even severely paretic muscles were capable of delivering an efficient EMG output, and the resulting improvement of wrist extension force was statistically significant. The necessary stimulus intensity showed no relationship to the degree of paresis, but a certain relationship to the recovery tendency of the hand was evident. Acceptance of the apparatus among the patients was satisfactory; only a few complained of pain during stimulation.

Influence of functional electrical stimulation training on premotor and motor reaction time

Abstract: This study was designed to investigate the influence of functional electrical stimulation on the improvement of reaction time and its fractionated components during learning an horizontal arm-sweep...