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Review
. 2016 Jun 13;13(1):56.
doi: 10.1186/s12984-016-0165-2.

Advances in selective activation of muscles for non-invasive motor neuroprostheses

Aikaterini D Koutsou  1 , Juan C Moreno  2 , Antonio J Del Ama  3 , Eduardo Rocon  4 , José L Pons  2
Affiliations
Review

Advances in selective activation of muscles for non-invasive motor neuroprostheses

Aikaterini D Koutsou et al. J Neuroeng Rehabil. .

Abstract

Non-invasive neuroprosthetic (NP) technologies for movement compensation and rehabilitation remain with challenges for their clinical application. Two of those major challenges are selective activation of muscles and fatigue management. This review discusses how electrode arrays improve the efficiency and selectivity of functional electrical stimulation (FES) applied via transcutaneous electrodes. In this paper we review the principles and achievements during the last decade on techniques for artificial motor unit recruitment to improve the selective activation of muscles. We review the key factors affecting the outcome of muscle force production via multi-pad transcutaneous electrical stimulation and discuss how stimulation parameters can be set to optimize external activation of body segments. A detailed review of existing electrode array systems proposed by different research teams is also provided. Furthermore, a review of the targeted applications of existing electrode arrays for control of upper and lower limb NPs is provided. Eventually, last section demonstrates the potential of electrode arrays to overcome the major challenges of NPs for compensation and rehabilitation of patient-specific impairments.

Keywords: Multi-pad electrodes; Muscle fatigue; Muscle selectivity; Neuroprosthesis; sFES.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Two examples of INTFES electrodes for upper limb sFES applications
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Two versions of SMARTEX electrode. Single electrode array version right corner and 4-electrode array garment for full upper limb sFES applications
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
HYPER electrode for right wrist extensors surface stimulation. Electrode for wrists flexors is symmetrical to this one
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
HYPER electrode for lower limb quadriceps surface stimulation
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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