Feedback control of unsupported standing in paraplegia. II. Experimental results

Abstract

This is the second of a pair of papers which describe an investigation into the feasibility of providing artificial balance to paraplegics using electrical stimulation of the paralyzed muscles. By bracing the body above the shanks, only stimulation of the plantar flexors is necessary. This arrangement prevents any influence from the intact neuromuscular system above the spinal cord lesion. In this paper, we present experimental results from intact and paraplegic subjects.