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A multi-channel biomimetic neuroprosthesis to support treadmill gait training in stroke patients

  • Noelia Chia
  • , Emilia Ambrosini
  • , Walter Baccinelli
  • , Antonio Nardone
  • , Marco Monticone
  • , Giancarlo Ferrigno
  • , Alessandra Pedrocchi
  • , Simona Ferrante

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This study presents an innovative multi-channel neuroprosthesis that induces a biomimetic activation of the main lower-limb muscles during treadmill gait training to be used in the rehabilitation of stroke patients. The electrostimulation strategy replicates the physiological muscle synergies used by healthy subjects to walk on a treadmill at their self-selected speed. This strategy is mapped to the current gait sub-phases, which are identified in real time by a custom algorithm. This algorithm divides the gait cycle into six sub-phases, based on two inertial sensors placed laterally on the shanks. Therefore, the pre-defined stimulation profiles are expanded or stretched based on the actual gait pattern of each single subject. A preliminary experimental protocol, involving 10 healthy volunteers, was carried out to extract the muscle synergies and validate the gait-detection algorithm, which were afterwards used in the development of the neuroprosthesis. The feasibility of the neuroprosthesis was tested on one healthy subject who simulated different gait patterns, and a chronic stroke patient. The results showed the correct functioning of the system. A pilot study of the neurorehabilitation treatment for stroke patients is currently being carried out.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2015 37th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBC 2015
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages7159-7162
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781424492718
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Nov 2015
Externally publishedYes
Event37th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBC 2015 - Milan, Italy
Duration: 25 Aug 201529 Aug 2015

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBS
Volume2015-November
ISSN (Print)1557-170X

Conference

Conference37th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBC 2015
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityMilan
Period25/08/1529/08/15

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