Skip to main content
DeutschDE
European Commission logo print header
Inhalt archiviert am 2022-11-15

EMG Signals from Paretic Muscles Controlling Electrical Stimulation of the Same Muscle

Ziel

In tetraplegic spinal cord injured patients with paresis of the wrist extension, EMG signals are used from the paretic muscle to control electrical stimulation of the same muscle.

The project shall develop a hybrid device comprising flexible mechanical orthoses and electrical stimulation (ES) for enhancement of motor function of paretic wrist muscles utilising electromyographic (EMG) signals of the remaining muscle activity for control of the necessary ES in spinal cord injured individuals (tetraplegics). The Centre for Spinal Cord Injured at the National University Hospital in Denmark in collaboration with the Institute of Electronics at The Technical University of Denmark has developed a system, which uses the remaining voluntary EMG from the paretic wrist extensor muscles, primarily the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) to control ES of the same muscles, thereby providing the subjects with a control strategy for stimulation as naturally as possible.

The primary goal will be to establish a key grip using the flexor tenodesis effect of an active wrist extension - the latter motored by ES augmented muscles. Appropriate orthoses will be necessary to stabilise and guide the movement, including the thumb.

Technical Approach : Innovative aspects include - development of a control system (circuit + software), which allows processing of the EMG to the ES for the same muscle without interference. Development of flexible mechanical orthoses for the necessary alignment of the hand.

Developments needed include - optimisation of the placement of electrodes; construction of a battery driven control unit comprising an EMG-amplifier, a ES-generator, a shut-down triggering unit for excluding interference between EMG and ES and electrical noise; software for systems control; flexible mechanical orthoses correlated to the ES-system and designed for the intended movement of the fingers.

Software and hardware resulting from the project include : electrodes for measurement of EMG and for electrical stimulation of the muscle; an ES-generator, a microprocessor correlating ES and EMG-signals; moulded orthotic components incorporating hinges and mechanical linkages to provide controlled movements.

Impact and Expected Results : The system shall be in the form of a small portable device for everyday use in the home. Special attention shall be given to the ergonomics and the overall design. Furthermore the equipment shall be developed so that the clinical, technical and safety specifications can meet the requirements on a world market basis.

The further plan for the system once a useful key grip has been developed, is to utilise the same technique for other muscles functions, eg. flexion of the elbow in case of paresis to facilitate, eg. independent eating, driving an electric wheel-chair, or typing on a computer/typewriter. The method used in combination with hand surgery and/or implanted electrode systems may give rise to functions which otherwise would have been impossible. These systems may thus improve even more cervical spinal cord injured persons functional independence to a degree where there is a significant improvement of their quality of life, and less 'direct' and demanding involvement of a carer.

Programm/Programme

Thema/Themen

Aufforderung zur Vorschlagseinreichung

Data not available

Finanzierungsplan

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Koordinator

National University Hospital
EU-Beitrag
Keine Daten
Adresse
Blegdamsvej 9
2100 Copenhagen
Dänemark

Auf der Karte ansehen
Gesamtkosten
Keine Daten

Beteiligte (6)

Diese Seite teilen

Herunterladen

Letzte Aktualisierung: 31 August 1995

Mein Booklet

Permalink: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/1083/de

European Union, 2024