User preference and patient benefits of a novel energy storing and return foot: A randomized, cross-over clinical trial.

Background: Energy storing and return (ESAR) prosthetic feet often provide high energy return at the cost of increased foot height, compromised appearance, and reduced flexibility. An ESAR foot, Ottobock Evanto, with a novel compact design has been introduced (novel foot).

Objective: To characterize user preference and benefits of a novel foot compared with the subject's previously worn (everyday foot) and comparator foot, Össur Pro-Flex XC.

Stability of flexible thin-film metallization stimulation electrodes: analysis of explants after first-in-human study and improvement of in vivo performance.

Objective: Micro-fabricated neural interfaces based on polyimide (PI) are achieving increasing importance in translational research. The ability to produce well-defined micro-structures with properties that include chemical inertness, mechanical flexibility and low water uptake are key advantages for these devices.

Approach: This paper reports the development of the transverse intrafascicular multichannel electrode (TIME) used to deliver intraneural sensory feedback to an upper-limb amputee in combination with a sensorized hand prosthesis.

Comparison of the efficiency of chopped and non-rectangular electrical stimulus waveforms in activating small vagus nerve fibers.

Background: In the context of morbid obesity, vagus nerve stimulation could be used to control gastric function targeting the small afferent B-fibers and C-fibers. Compared to large A-fibers, activation thresholds of these small efferent fibers are 10 to 100 times greater, inducing technical constraints and possible nerve damages. Although rectangular waveform is commonly used in nerve stimulation, recent modeling and experimental studies suggest that non-rectangular waveforms could reduced the charge injected by the stimulator.

Investigation of the efficiency of the shape of chopped pulses using earthworm model.

In neural electrical stimulation, limiting the charge delivered during a stimulus pulse is essential to avoid nerve tissue damage and to save power. Previous experimental and modeling studies indicated that waveforms such as non-rectangular continuous pulses or rectangular chopped pulse were able to improve stimulation efficiency. The goal of this study is to evaluate if non-rectangular chopped pulses such as quarter sine and ramp are more charge efficient than rectangular chopped pulse.

Exploring Selective Neural Electrical Stimulation for Upper Limb Function Restoration.

This article introduces a new approach of selective neural electrical stimulation of the upper limb nerves. Median and radial nerves of individuals with tetraplegia are stimulated via a multipolar cuff electrode to elicit movements of wrist and hand in acute conditions during a surgical intervention. Various configurations corresponding to various combinations of a 12-poles cuff electrode contacts are tested.

Vagus nerve stimulation: state of the art of stimulation and recording strategies to address autonomic function neuromodulation.

Objective: Neural signals along the vagus nerve (VN) drive many somatic and autonomic functions. The clinical interest of VN stimulation (VNS) is thus potentially huge and has already been demonstrated in epilepsy. However, side effects are often elicited, in addition to the targeted neuromodulation.

A survey on robotic devices for upper limb rehabilitation.

The existing shortage of therapists and caregivers assisting physically disabled individuals at home is expected to increase and become serious problem in the near future. The patient population needing physical rehabilitation of the upper extremity is also constantly increasing. Robotic devices have the potential to address this problem as noted by the results of recent research studies.

Automated determination of peripheral nerve stimulation parameters to achieve desired effector response - a procedural routine, preliminary studies and proposal of improvements.

Background: The feasibility of selectively stimulating fascicles and fibers within peripheral nerves has been demonstrated by a number of groups. Although various multi-contact electrodes have been developed for this purpose, the lack of procedures for fast determination of stimulation parameters to produce the desired effector activity hampers the clinical application of these techniques.In this paper, we propose an automated search routine that may facilitate the determination of stimulation parameters.

An improved kinematic model of the spine for three-dimensional motion analysis in the Vicon system.

The mechanism of creation and pathomechanics of lateral spinal deformation is still not fully explained. Modern medical imaging techniques give scientists possibility to understand some aspects, but vast majority of those techniques is based on static trials. A motion capture system belongs to techniques which enable visualization of a spine during dynamic trials; however, due to lack of appropriate computational model, it is unsuitable for scoliosis imaging.

Restrainer of pelvis and lower limbs in thoracic and lumbar range of motion measurement--preliminary report.

Background: Range of motion (ROM) is a parameter of prime importance for clinical assessment of spinal function. Many spinal ROM assessment techniques of varying reliability are currently in use. Immobilization of the pelvis and lower extremities improves control of the neutral position and decreases the error resulting from compensatory hip motion during measurement.