INTEGRATION OF FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION IN PROSTHETIC SOCKETS, LINERS, AND GARMENTS FOR IMPROVED AMPUTEE CARE AND PERFORMANCE

摘要

The present disclosure provides a functional electrode stimulation (FES) apparatus for use with prosthetic limbs. FES may provide the benefits of pain management, muscle building, prevention of muscle atrophy, and muscle re-education of residual limb and/or peri-residual limb muscles. The FES apparatus comprises a portable electrical stimulator; means to carry a current between the electrical stimulator and a prosthetic limb liner or socket; a plurality of elastic conductors integrated with the prosthetic limb liner or socket and capable of carrying the current from the means; a plurality of thin planar conductive fabric electrodes capable of carrying the current from the elastic conductors; and a plurality of thin electrodes capable of carrying the current between the thin planar conductive fabric electrodes and the skin of a patient.