EMG pattern analysis for patient-responsive control of FES in paraplegics for walker-supported walking

The use of electromyographic (EMG) pattern analysis to provide upper-motor-neuron paraplegics with patient-responsive control of FES (functional electrical stimulation) for the purpose of walker-supported walking is discussed. The system described uses above-lesion surface EMG signals to activate standing and walking functions in a patient-responsive manner. This system was been experimentally applied to paraplegics since early 1982. Below-lesion response-EMG control from the stimulated sites was added in 1987 to regulate stimuli levels in the face of fatigue. Although transcutaneous FES alone is being used the system is applicable in principle to implantable FES systems.