A Survey of Lower Limb Rehabilitation Systems and Algorithms Based on Functional Electrical Stimulation

Mingxu Sun,Qi Liu,Xueyan Wu

doi:10.32604/cmc.2020.06098

Abstract

Functional electrical stimulation is a method of repairing a dysfunctional limb in a stroke patient by using low-intensity electrical stimulation. Currently, it is widely used in smart medical treatment for limb rehabilitation in stroke patients. In this paper, the development of FES systems is sorted out and analyzed in a time order. Then, the progress of functional electrical stimulation in the field of rehabilitation is reviewed in details in two aspects, i.e., system development and algorithm progress. In the system aspect, the development of the first FES control and stimulation system, the core of the lower limb-based neuroprosthesis system and the system based on brain-computer interface are introduced. The algorithm optimization for control strategy is introduced in the algorithm. Asynchronous stimulation to prolong the function time of the lower limbs and a method to improve the robustness of knee joint modeling using neural networks. Representative applications in each of these aspects have been investigated and analyzed.

Highlights

According to the China Stroke Prevention Report 2016 [Wang, Wang, Peng et al (2017)], China has the highest incidence of stroke in the world
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) was applied to lower limb rehabilitation in stroke patients in 1961, Burridge’s team [Burridge and Etherington (2004)] used a single-channel functional electrical stimulation to develop a tactile interface for the humerus, triggered by a sensor placed on the sole of the foot
3.1.2 Neuroprosthesis system for lower limbs action based on functional electrical stimulation (Neu4LL) In 2011, Ming’s team developed a portable FES-based lower limb neuroprosthesis system [Ming, Yuan, Li et al (2011)], using a manual control mode to stimulate patients in vitro, using different kinematic indicators to determine the patient’s condition and according to different situations The stimulator program modules are combined to find the most appropriate stimulation parameters for the patient to facilitate the rehabilitation of patients with moderate and severe stroke using FES

Summary

Introduction

According to the China Stroke Prevention Report 2016 [Wang, Wang, Peng et al (2017)], China has the highest incidence of stroke in the world. The number of people over 40 years old in China who have suffered from strokes is 12.42 million. About 1.5 million new patients are found each year. There are more than 10 million new strokes every year in the world [Pandian, Gall, Kate et al (2018)]. The recovery of limb function in stroke patients is the most important part of rehabilitation. More research activities have been applied to the application of FES systems to the recovery of limb function, and significant results have been achieved. After stimulation with FES, the nerves are activated, allowing endogenous stem cells to differentiate (see Fig. 1(c) below), repairing necrotic nerves and restoring function (see Fig. 1(d) below)

Research progress of FES systems

System development

Algorithm progress

Summary

Findings

Conclusion