title: Development of network-based multichannel neuromuscular electrical stimulation system for stroke rehabilitation.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering, Med-X Research Institute, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China;
authors.forename: Hongen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Qu
authors.forename: Yongji
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Xie
authors.forename: Xiaoxuan
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Xin
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: He
authors.forename: Manzhao
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hao
authors.forename: Yong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Bao
authors.forename: Qing
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Xie
authors.forename: Ning
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003199:Computer Systems; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000503:physiopathology; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000503:physiopathology
keywords: assistive technology; body area network; distributed stimulator system; motor function recovery; multijoint movement; multimuscle activation; muscle synergy; neuromuscular electrical stimulation; proprioceptive afferents; stroke rehabilitation