Advancements in functional electrical stimulator technology

Abstract

One of the most exciting recent advances in the neuroprosthetics field has been the application of biosignals in the design of functional electrical stimulation (FES) devices. This review discusses the different approaches in the field of functional electrical stimulation (FES) enabling control of human gait and address fundamental perquisites to enable FES walking systems to become safer, more practical, comfortable and therefore, clinically efficacious. In many forms of disability in humans due to paralysis, it appears possible to regain some measure of functional control of movement through direct electrical stimulation of paralysed muscles. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements in clinical uses of functional electrical stimulation functional and therapeutic applications in subjects with spinal cord injury or stroke. Perspectives on future developments and clinical applications of FES are also presented herewith in this paper.