FES in rehabilitation robotics

This study evaluated the combined effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) and electromechanical robot on post-stroke wrist rehabilitation. The tracking performances and muscle co-contractions on the paretic upper limb were investigated during wrist tracking with different combined-assistance from FES and robot. The training effectiveness of FES-robot assisted wrist training was evaluated in a randomized pilot study with two groups: FES-robot and robot only. A 20-session wrist training (3 to 5 times per week) was designed for evaluating the training effects. The results showed FES-robot had better motor functions than robot only after the training program in the Fugl-Meyer Score and Action Research Arm Test. The robot assistance could improve the accuracy in tracking movement; and the FES could facilitate the muscle activation at the wrist joint and the elbow joint co-contraction muscular activities has been reduced. The FES in rehabilitation robot could has a beneficial effect in improving upper limb functions.