Feedback control of upright seating with functional neuromuscular stimulation during a reaching task after spinal cord injury: a feasibility study

This study explores using electrical stimulation to help people with spinal cord injuries sit upright and maintain balance while reaching for objects. Maintaining trunk stability is important for performing daily activities. The researchers used a controller that adjusts the electrical stimulation to trunk and hip muscles based on the person's posture. This aims to counteract internal perturbations (movements) that destabilize seated posture. The results showed that the controller reduced postural sway (how much a person moves while trying to stay still) and improved reach in some participants, suggesting it could be a viable way to improve seated posture and function.

• 1
  Feedback-controlled stimulation reduced postural sway in two subjects, indicating improved seated stability during the reaching task.
• 2
  The controller increased mean effective reach in three subjects, suggesting an improved ability to hold objects further from the trunk.
• 3
  Return to upright movements was quickened by 0.17 to 0.32 seconds in four subjects, showing faster recovery from leaning positions.