Innovative Closed-loop Functional Electrical Stimulation Control System for Augmenting Post-stroke Gait

The model-predictive controller (MPC) determines the timing and intensity of electrical stimulation delivered for FES. MPC combined with real-time ultrasound-based feedback delivers optimal FES intensities and minimizes fatigue. FES is delivered to the ankle dorsiflexor muscles using a commercially available FDA-approved electrical stimulator.

For functional electrical stimulation, surface electrodes are placed on the paretic leg on skin overlying the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle, with intensity pre-set to elicit dorsiflexion to neutral against gravity. FES will be delivered to the ankle dorsiflexor muscles using a commercially available FDA-approved electrical stimulator.