Synthesis of hand grasp using functional neuromuscular stimulation

A functional neuromuscular stimulation system developed to provide grasp-release functions in quadriplegic individuals is discussed. A single command input from the subject controls the stimulus levels to a number of electrodes, thus simultaneously activating several muscles. A method for synthesizing the command input to stimulus output relationship has been developed. The first step involves electrode profiling, which is a method for characterizing the output of an individual electrode/muscle combination. The electrodes are then grouped according to function, and a set of rule-based procedures is used to synthesize the basic grasp parameters. Results demonstrating the output from lateral and palmar grasps developed by this method are presented. The method has successfully resulted in grasping patterns that can be utilized functionally. Limitations of the method and future improvements are discussed.<<ETX>>

[1]  P H Peckham,et al.  Upper and lower motor neuron lesions in the upper extremity muscles of tetraplegics , 1976, Paraplegia.

[2]  N. Hoshimiya,et al.  Functional electrical stimulation for the control of the upper extremities. , 1987, Medical progress through technology.

[3]  C. Long,et al.  Intrinsic-extrinsic muscle control of the hand in power grip and precision handling. An electromyographic study. , 1970, The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume.

[4]  P. Crago,et al.  Modulation of Muscle Force by Recruitment During Intramuscular Stimulation , 1980, IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering.

[5]  P. Hunter Peckham,et al.  Multichannel Implantable Stimulator for Control of Paralyzed Muscle , 1981, IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering.

[6]  R. Nathan.  The development of a computerized upper limb electrical stimulation system. , 1984, Orthopedics.

[7]  P.H. Peckham,et al.  A flexible, portable system for neuromuscular stimulation in the paralyzed upper extremity , 1988, IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering.

[8]  P. H. Peckham.  FUNCTIONAL NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULATION. , 1981 .

[9]  P. H. Peckham,et al.  Restoration of functional control by electrical stimulation in the upper extremity of the quadriplegic patient. , 1988, The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume.

[10]  Dennis D. Roscoe,et al.  An Externally Powered, Multichannel, Implantable Stimulator for Versatile Control of Paralyzed Muscle , 1987, IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering.

[11]  J S Petrofsky,et al.  Closed loop control for restoration of movement in paralyzed muscle. , 1984, Orthopedics.

[12]  E. Marsolais,et al.  Restoration of key grip and release in the C6 tetraplegic patient through functional electrical stimulation. , 1980 .

[13]  M. Keith,et al.  COORDINATED TWO MODE GRASP IN THE QUADRIPLEGIC INITIATED BY FUNCTIONAL NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULATION , 1983 .

[14]  P. Hunter Peckham,et al.  A Computer-Controlled Multichannel Stimulation System for Laboratory Use in Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation , 1985, IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering.