Objectif The main objective of this study is to develop a closed-loop system for Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), based on natural sensing and natural recruitment of paralysed muscles, as an improvement of current open-loop systems with superficial stimulation. Specifically, the system will be designed to bring about a safe, prolonged period of standing in paraplegic individuals. The objectives can be grouped as: 1) Selective recording of FES feedback signals from sensory nerves; 2) Development of a closed-loop control system for paraplegic standing; 3) Selective activation of muscles via selective stimulation of nerves; 4) Experimental evaluation of selective stimulation and recording in animals and humans.Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) has been investigated for several decades. FES can restore some mobility in spinal cord or brain injured patients who are otherwise confined to their wheelchairs. However, despite intense research efforts, present day FES has found limited application because of poor control systems, which are often open-loop. Moreover, the systems are difficult to handle for patients on a daily basis and hardly acceptable from a cosmetic point of view.In this European Shared Cost RTD project, which includes seven Centres of Excellence, we seek to improve control schemes for FES systems by selective muscle recruitment via nerve stimulation and the inclusion of feedback information from the body's own sensory system. Natural sensors are abundantly available in the body and they are of paramount importance in the normal physiology of motor control. With the use of neural sensing and nerve stimulation the largest part of the FES system can be fully implantable, thus solving a part of the daily burden and acceptability for the patients.Within the time frame of the BIOMED 2 Workprogramme we focus on a system for paraplegic standing. Paraplegic persons are not able to stand without assisting devices and are thus unable to perform trivial tasks, although by far the largest part of their neuromuscular system involved in standing-up, standing and sitting-down remains viable. We intend to design a system to bring about a safe and prolonged standing. It will consist of three parts: Sensing, Control and Stimulation. Signals are recorded with cuff electrodes placed around different peripheral nerves innervating the natural sensors of the foot sole and structures in and around the knee. The signal processing and control units will have inputs from the telemeter and outputs to the stimulator, which is connected to the stimulation nerve cuff electrodes.Within the 36 months of the project a limited clinical evaluation will be carried out. By the end of the contract period the system should be ready for a Demonstration Project. Champ scientifique engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringcontrol systemsengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsignal processingengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinephysiologymedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologytissue engineeringartificial pancreascontinuous glucose monitors Programme(s) FP4-BIOMED 2 - Specific research, technological development and demonstration programme in the field of biomedicine and health, 1994-1998 Thème(s) 2.4 - Rehabilitation, replacement or restoration of human function Appel à propositions Data not available Régime de financement CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinateur Ålborg Universitetscenter Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse 7 D,FREDRIK BAJERS VEJ 9220 AALBORG Danemark Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée Participants (6) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution de l’UE Tout développer Tout réduire Politecnico di Milano Italie Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse Via Capecelatro 66 20148 Milano Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée UNIVERSITE CATHOLIQUE DE LOUVAIN Belgique Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse 54,Avenue Hippocrate 54 - UCL 5446 1200 BRUXELLES Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée Universiteit Twente Pays-Bas Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse 5,DRIENERLOLAAN 7500 AE ENSCHEDE Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée University College London Royaume-Uni Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse 11-20 Capper Street WC1E 6JA London Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée University of Ljubljana Slovénie Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse 25,Trzaska 25 1111 Ljubljana Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée Université de Montpellier 1 France Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse 191,AVENUE DU DOYEN GASTON GIRAUD 34295 MONTPELLIER Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée