Development of a High-Power Capacity Open Source Electrical Stimulation System to Enhance Research into FES-Assisted Devices: Validation of FES Cycling

Sensors, 2022 · DOI: 10.3390/s22020531 · Published: January 11, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Biomedical

Simple Explanation

This research introduces an open-source Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) system designed to help people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) cycle. The system uses electrical pulses to stimulate leg muscles, enabling a person with paralysis to pedal. The system is designed to be more adaptable and powerful than commercial devices, allowing researchers to implement advanced control strategies and connect different types of sensors. It has a high-power capacity that allows the creation of biphasic electrical pulses. A person with complete paraplegia tested the system and was able to cycle indoors for 45 minutes and pedal overground for 2400 meters. These results suggest the system can be a useful cycling tool for individuals with SCI.

Study Duration

12 Months

Participants

1 male with complete paraplegia

Evidence Level

Single case report

Key Findings

1
The developed high-power FES device can generate biphasic electrical pulses with amplitude, width, and frequency up to 150 mA, 1000 µs, and 100 Hz, respectively.
2
A volunteer with complete paraplegia was able to cycle indoors for 45 minutes, covering distances of more than 5 km on a passive cycling trainer.
3
The same volunteer was able to pedal overground for 2400 meters in 32 minutes, demonstrating the system's potential for real-world application.

Research Summary

This study presents an open-source electrical stimulation system designed to enhance research into FES-assisted devices, specifically for cycling, to enable recreational physical activity for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The high-power capacity stimulation device is based on a constant current topology, allowing the creation of biphasic electrical pulses with adjustable parameters, controlled by a mobile application, and integrated with a proportional-integral controller for cadence tracking. Functional testing with a volunteer who had complete paraplegia demonstrated the system's capacity to be employed as a cycling tool, showing improvements in pedaling duration and distance, suggesting the potential for maximizing pedaling through advanced control techniques.

Practical Implications

Open-Source Platform

The availability of an open-source FES platform allows researchers to study and modify the project for various purposes, fostering innovation and collaboration.

Rehabilitation Potential

The FES cycling system can serve as a tool for individuals with SCI to engage in physical activity, potentially improving cardiorespiratory function, body composition, and overall well-being.

Advanced Control Strategies

The research suggests the possibility of maximizing pedaling duration and efficiency through the implementation of more advanced control techniques, paving the way for future studies in this area.

Development of a High-Power Capacity Open Source Electrical Stimulation System to Enhance Research into FES-Assisted Devices: Validation of FES Cycling

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Open-Source Platform

Rehabilitation Potential

Advanced Control Strategies

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Development of a High-Power Capacity Open Source Electrical Stimulation System to Enhance Research into FES-Assisted Devices: Validation of FES Cycling

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Open-Source Platform

Rehabilitation Potential

Advanced Control Strategies

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?