Thoracic-level spinal cord injuries (SCI) commonly result in the inability to control lower limbs. Individuals with SCI typically rely on a wheel-chair for mobility, which can lead to both physiological and psychological complications. Functional electrical stimulation (FES), the application of electrical current to activate motor nerves and induce muscle contraction can restore elementary gait in SCI subjects [1]. Issues associated with FES-aided gait are rapid muscle fatigue and poor joint control, which subsequently lead to poor gait control [2]. The hybrid FES gait-assist system addresses the deficiencies associated with purely FES-aided gait. What makes this system unique is that a single channel of stimulation on each quadriceps is used for knee extension. Energy-storing components and a compressed CO_2 tank drive the rest of the gait sequence.
展开▼
