Enhanced rehabilitation of gait after stroke: a case report of a therapeutic approach using multichannel functional electrical stimulation.

The beneficial effects of using multichannel functional electrical stimulation (MFES) for gait rehabilitation in nonambulatory hemiplegic patients have already been shown. The methodology of application and the results presented were pooled for the whole group of participants, which blurs the exact picture of each particular subject and many vital details are not presented. The purpose of this article is to focus on a single subject from the study and to present all the details of the treatment.

Implantable stimulator for selective stimulation of the common peroneal nerve: a preliminary report.

We present details of the modelling, design, and experimental testing of an implantable system with a monopolar half-cuff electrode for selective stimulation of fibres within certain superficial regions of the human common peroneal nerve which is capable of making a selective activation of muscles, thus contributing to strong dorsal flexion and moderate eversion of the hemiplegic foot. The development of the cuff electrode was based partly on data obtained from histological examination of human common peroneal nerves, and from previously described models of excitation of myelinated nerve fibres. The modelling objectives were to determine the electric field that would be generated within the deep peroneal branch of the nerve by a monopolar half-cuff electrode installed on the nerve behind the lateral head of the fibula.

Application of a programmable dual-channel adaptive electrical stimulation system for the control and analysis of gait.

A dual-channel electrical stimulation system with a stimulator and a programmer/stride analyzer was designed for clinical rehabilitation of gait and for subsequent daily use as an orthotic aid. The stimulator, with controls to adjust amplitude only (50 mA), adapts chosen stimulation sequences to the walking rate of a patient. Pulse duration (50-500 microseconds), frequency (5-120 Hz), shape (symmetrical biphasic, monophasic), stimulation sequences (16 stride segments) and their cycle (2-12 sec), and right/left foot-switch choices are selected for each patient and programmed into a separate unit.

FES and spasticity.

A model of hemiplegic spasticity based on electromyographical and biomechanical parameters measured during passive muscle stretching is presented. Two components of spasticity can be distinguished--phasic and tonic. This classification depends on the pattern of stretch reflex activity which can be either phasic or tonic as well as on the muscle stretch/tension characteristic.