Development of network-based multichannel neuromuscular electrical stimulation system for stroke rehabilitation

• Published in: Journal of rehabilitation research and development Vol. 52; no. 3; pp. 263 - 278
• Main Authors: Qu, Hongen, Xie, Yongji, Liu, Xiaoxuan, He, Xin, Hao, Manzhao, Bao, Yong, Xie, Qing, Lan, Ning
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Department of Veterans Affairs 01.01.2016; Superintendent of Documents
• Subjects: Adult; Brain research; Care and treatment; Computer Systems; Control algorithms; Design specifications; Early intervention; Elbow Joint - physiopathology; Electric Stimulation Therapy - instrumentation; Electromyography; Equipment Design; Experiments; FDA approval; Female; Human subjects; Humans; Male; Medical research; Middle Aged; Movement - physiology; Muscle, Skeletal - physiopathology; Paralysis; Patients; Peripheral Nerves - physiopathology; Recovery of Function; Rehabilitation; Self-help devices for the disabled; Shoulder Joint - physiopathology; Stroke; Stroke (Disease); Stroke - physiopathology; Stroke Rehabilitation; Studies; Therapists; Therapy; Upper Extremity - physiopathology; User interface; User-Computer Interface; Wireless communications; Wireless networks; Wrist Joint - physiopathology; Morocco; stroke rehabilitation; motor function recovery; distributed stimulator system; multimuscle activation; proprioceptive afferents; multijoint movement; assistive technology; neuromuscular electrical stimulation; muscle synergy; body area network
• DOI: 10.1682/JRRD.2014.10.0227
• ISSN: 0748-7711; 1938-1352

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.