ICEP: An Instrumented Cycling Ergometer Platform for the Assessment of Advanced FES Strategies

Sensors, 2023 · DOI: 10.3390/s23073522 · Published: March 28, 2023

Assistive Technology Neurology Biomedical

Simple Explanation

The study introduces a novel instrumented cycling ergometer platform (ICEP) designed to assess the effectiveness of electrical stimulation strategies for individuals with spinal cord injuries. The ICEP measures forces and torques applied to the pedals, allowing researchers to optimize stimulation patterns for a smooth and powerful cycling movement. Two methods for determining stimulation patterns are explored: one based on EMG recordings from able-bodied subjects and another based on direct force measurements from SCI subjects' stimulated muscles.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

One able-bodied adult male and one adult male with a motor-complete SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The stimulation pattern derived from the SCI subject’s force output produced 14% more power than the EMG-derived stimulation pattern.
2
The cycling platform proved useful for determining and assessing stimulation patterns, and it can be used to further investigate advanced stimulation strategies.
3
The study measured the angular shift to compensate for the delay, and the MFP pattern was set up.

Research Summary

This study presents a new instrumented cycling ergometer platform (ICEP) designed for assessing functional electrical stimulation (FES) strategies in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The platform allows for the measurement of forces and torques, enabling the optimization of stimulation patterns to improve cycling performance. Two methods for determining stimulation patterns were compared. Results indicate that stimulation patterns derived directly from SCI subjects' muscle force output are more effective than those based on EMG recordings from able-bodied individuals.

Practical Implications

Improved FES Cycling Strategies

The ICEP can be used to optimize FES cycling strategies, potentially leading to increased power output and reduced muscle fatigue for individuals with SCI.

Personalized Rehabilitation

The platform allows for personalized rehabilitation programs by tailoring stimulation patterns to individual needs and physical conditions.

Advancement of FES Technology

The development and assessment of advanced stimulation strategies using ICEP may contribute to the advancement of FES technology and its application in various rehabilitation and assistive devices.

Study Limitations

1
Only quadricep muscles were used for the SCI subject.
2
The subject has issues with stimulating hamstring muscles, this muscle group was not used.
3
The patterns need to be further assessed with more subjects in order to achieve statistical relevance.

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