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Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation
Published in: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research

Multi-contact functional electrical stimulation for hand opening: electrophysiologically driven identification of the optimal stimulation site

Authors: Cristiano De Marchis, Thiago Santos Monteiro, Cristina Simon-Martinez, Silvia Conforto, Alireza Gharabaghi

Published in: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is increasingly applied in neurorehabilitation. Particularly, the use of electrode arrays may allow for selective muscle recruitment. However, detecting the best electrode configuration constitutes still a challenge.

Methods

A multi-contact set-up with thirty electrodes was applied for combined FES and electromyography (EMG) recording of the forearm. A search procedure scanned all electrode configurations by applying single, sub-threshold stimulation pulses while recording M-waves of the extensor digitorum communis (EDC), extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) muscles. The electrode contacts with the best electrophysiological response were then selected for stimulation with FES bursts while capturing finger/wrist extension and radial/ulnar deviation with a kinematic glove.

Results

The stimulation electrodes chosen on the basis of M-waves of the EDC/ECR/ECU muscles were able to effectively elicit the respective finger/wrist movements for the targeted extension and/or deviation with high specificity in two different hand postures.

Conclusions

A subset of functionally relevant stimulation electrodes could be selected fast, automatic and non-painful from a multi-contact array on the basis of muscle responses to subthreshold stimulation pulses. The selectivity of muscle recruitment predicted the kinematic pattern. This electrophysiologically driven approach would thus allow for an operator-independent positioning of the electrode array in neurorehabilitation.
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Metadata
Title
Multi-contact functional electrical stimulation for hand opening: electrophysiologically driven identification of the optimal stimulation site
Authors
Cristiano De Marchis
Thiago Santos Monteiro
Cristina Simon-Martinez
Silvia Conforto
Alireza Gharabaghi
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1743-0003
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-016-0129-6

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