Micera
Fakultäten » Medizinische Fakultät » Universitätsklinik Balgrist und Schweizerisches Paraplegikerzentrum » Paraplegikerzentrum » Prof. Dr. Armin Curt » Micera
Completed research project
| Title / Titel | Improving the transcutaneous electrical stimulation technology (TES) and extending its field of application | ||||||
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| Abstract (PDF, 14 KB) | |||||||
| Original title / Originaltitel | Improving the transcutaneous electrical stimulation technology (TES) and extending its field of application | ||||||
| Summary / Zusammenfassung | The study is split into different subprojects: Applicability of embroidered electrode technology and functionality of grasping NP with multiple embroidered electrodes: TES has previously been shown to provide functional and therapeutic benefits to neurologically impaired individuals. Within rehabilitation therapy, multi-channel TES systems (Neuroprosthesis) are often used to increase muscle strength (e.g. finger extensors), promote joint mobility (through active movements) and to assist or enable simple functional movements such as grasping. Recently our group developed a new electrode technology that aims at improving the muscle selectivity and practicability of TES. Hence, the first step of our study is to test if the prototype garment with multiple embroidered textile electrodes copes with these demands. TES combined with advanced movement therapy devices: Advanced devices for movement therapy (such as the Lokomat® and Armeo®) have been successfully used for clinical rehabilitation of subjects. However, functional activation of distal body parts (e.g. fingers for grasping) cannot be easily achieved using existing mechatronic systems. By combining traditional TES applications with advanced devices for movement therapy, we aim to provide complete systems which can be used for functional rehabilitation of both proximal and distal joints. The aim of the feasibility study is to investigate the combination of the novel TES garment and Armeo®, an existing device for movement therapy, in order to improve the proximal and distal rehabilitation of the upper extremities. Kinematic measurements will include joint angles and velocities, as well as muscle activation. Functional assessment and grasp force will be undertaken using a validated clinical measure, the Grasp Release Test. Investigations will be undertaken on healthy subjects, as well as a limited number of neurologically impaired SCI and stroke patients. Improving online EMG detection of voluntary activity in weak (atrophied) muscles: Surface electromyography (EMG) techniques can be used to control the stimulation of neuroprostheses to provide functional movements such as grasping, but the accurate realtime detection of voluntary activation has to be improved, especially in weak muscles. We will record EMG data of voluntary muscle activation in order to develop improved online detection algorithms. In particular, EMG measurements from finger extensors and flexors will be undertaken in stroke patients, from both paretic and non-paretic arm, and from SCI patients. |
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| Keywords / Suchbegriffe | Functional electrical stimulation, grasp function, fMRI, multi-channel transcutaneous electrode array | ||||||
| Project leadership and contacts / Projektleitung und Kontakte |
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| Funding source(s) / Unterstützt durch |
SNF (Programm NFS/NCCR) |
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| Duration of Project / Projektdauer | Oct 2007 to May 2011 |