Functional electrical stimulation for home-based upper-limb stroke rehabilitation

Abstract

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) therapies have shown effectiveness in restoring movement post-stroke, especially when applied functionally to assist participants’ voluntary intention during repeated, motivating tasks. Recent development in non-contact sensors allows feedback to advanced controllers that precisely adjust FES via an electrode array to assist functional reach and grasp tasks. This has given rise to significant reduction in impairment, as measured in clinical trials. This paper describes the recent developments of a compact system suitable for transference to patients’ homes, with the intention of reducing upper-limb impairment following chronic stroke.

Keywords

• functional electrical stimulation
• iterative learning control
• electrode-array technology
• stroke rehabilitation