Novel Assistive Device and Functional Electrical Stimulation Therapy

Overview

Stroke causes neurological deficits, impacting walking, balance, strength, and independence, with high mortality and economic burden. Moreover, it brings serious mental and economic stress to patients and their families because of loss of independence. Current rehabilitation methods include standard therapy and electrical stimulation. This study introduces a novel hybrid approach combining use of an assistive device, the LegoPress, paired with closed-loop functional electrical stimulation for subacute stroke patients' lower limbs in a seated position, aiming to improve motor function particularly gait and balance.

The LegoPress is a passive assistive device that allows patients to undergo FES therapy while remaining in seated position. This is crucial for stroke patients as in the early acute phase they are at a higher risk of falling due to balance and mobility issues. The LegoPress is equipped with potentiometers and force sensors to measure the distance and force in flexion and extension. Therefore, when the LegoPress paired with FES, it can be performed in a closed loop where a maximum current is set for patient safety and can provide flexion/extension. Then based off this current the stimulation current can be modulated according to the position desired by the clinician. It can also be an alternative to cycling FES by featuring different movement functions such as simultaneous leg press action (in tandem), gait-simulation action (closest to walking), or sequential (one leg after the other). The efficacy of the LegoPress FES protocol has yet to be tested in the clinic and with stroke patients, this study therefore is motivated by investigating the feasibility of this proposed novel method as well as its clinical outcomes.

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Central Contacts