Development of a Lower Limb Neuroprosthesis

Millions of people worldwide suffer from motor impairment due to aging and/or neurological injuries, such as stroke. It has previously been demonstrated that functional electrical stimulation (FES) can be used to artificially contract lower limb muscles to improve independent standing of individuals with neurological impairments. A system that applies FES to regulate balance is called a neuroprosthesis for standing. An intermittent control strategy, which switches between muscle stiffness and muscle activation has emerged as an effective control strategy for stabilizing standing and walking. This project intends to develop a novel neuroprosthesis for standing and walking function that will use FES to intermittently activate lower limb muscles. The objectives of the proposed study are: (1) to develop and test an intermittent controller system for FES of lower limbs; and (2) to integrate this control system into a lower limb exoskeleton, all with the aim of developing a practical system for the rehabilitation of standing and walking.

Faculty Supervisor:

Albert Vette;Jacqueline Hebert

Student:

Partner:

Osaka University

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Alberta

Program: