doiSerbia

Optimisation of hand posture stimulation using an electrode array and iterative learning control

Exell Timothy A. (School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK)
Freeman Christopher T. (School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK)
Meadmore Katie L. (School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK)
Hughes Ann-Marie (University of Southampton, Faculty of Health Sciences, Southampton, UK)
Hallewell Emma (University of Southampton, Faculty of Health Sciences, Southampton, UK)
Burridge Jane (University of Southampton, Faculty of Health Sciences, Southampton, UK)

Nonlinear optimisation-based search algorithms have been developed for the precise stimulation of muscles in the wrist and hand, to enable stroke patients to attain predefined gestures. These have been integrated in a system comprising a 40 element surface electrode array that is placed on the forearm, an electrogoniometer and data glove supplying position data from 16 joint angles, and custom signal generation and switching hardware to route the electrical stimulation to individual array elements. The technology will be integrated in a upper limb rehabilitation system currently undergoing clinical trials to increase their ability to perform functional tasks requiring fine hand and finger movement. Initial performance results from unimpaired subjects show the successful reproduction of six reference hand postures using the system.

Keywords: Automated optimisation, functional electrical stimulation, hand movement, surface electrode array.