Single channel hybrid FES gait system using an energy storing orthosis: preliminary design.
A new system for paraplegic gait by electrical stimulation is presented. The system combines electrical stimulation of the paralyzed quadriceps muscle with a hip-knee orthosis. The orthosis is spring-loaded and contains pneumatic components that store and transfer the energy from knee extension caused by quadriceps stimulation to a pneumatic actuator that drives hip motion. In this manner, cyclic hip and knee motion with arbitrary timing can be achieved using a single channel of surface stimulation. Previous work developed a dynamic model and bench top prototype of the energy storing system. Simulation and design prototypes are presented with the eventual goal of developing a wearable version of the complete gait system.
Kangude
Abhijit
A
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Burgstahler
Brett
B
Kakastys
Jesse
J
Durfee
William
W
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000503:physiopathology; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D019415:Torque