Sensory Supported FES Control in Gait Training of Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Persons

Abstract

Sensory supported electrical stimulation of the peroneal nerve during treadmill walking is proposed as a gait-training modality in incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. A multisensor device provides information on the tilt of the shank during gait. The information provided significantly improves the triggering instant of the electrical stimulation. Simultaneously, swing-phase estimation serves as a reference to determine the required motor augmentation support. Both approaches, as well as triggering using intensity control of the functional electrical stimulation were applied on a healthy person and on an incomplete C4-5 SCI patient.