Methodology
Event related desynchronization-modulated functional electrical stimulation system for stroke rehabilitation: A feasibility study
- † Equal contributors
1 Terumo Corporation, 1500, Nakai-machi, Ashigarakami-gun, Kanagawa, 259-0151, Japan
2 ATR Computational Neuroscience Laboratories, 2-2-2 Hikaridai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto, 619-0288, Japan
3 Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Murayama Medical Center, 2-37-1 Gakuen, Musashimurayama-shi, Tokyo, 208-0011, Japan
4 Tokyo Bay Rehabilitation Hospital, 4-1-1 Yatsu, Narashino-shi, Chiba, 275-0026, Japan
5 Integrative Brain Imaging Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawahigashi-cho, Kodaira-shi, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
6 Department of Mechanical Engineering and Intelligent Systems, Faculty of Engineering, Tohoku Gakuin University, 1-13-1 Chuo, Tagajo-shi, Miyagi, 985-8537, Japan
7 College of Science and Engineering, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu-shi, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan
Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation 2012, 9:56 doi:10.1186/1743-0003-9-56
Published: 16 August 2012Abstract
Background
We developed an electroencephalogram-based brain computer interface system to modulate functional electrical stimulation (FES) to the affected tibialis anterior muscle in a stroke patient. The intensity of FES current increased in a stepwise manner when the event-related desynchronization (ERD) reflecting motor intent was continuously detected from the primary cortical motor area.
Methods
We tested the feasibility of the ERD-modulated FES system in comparison with FES without ERD modulation. The stroke patient who presented with severe hemiparesis attempted to perform dorsiflexion of the paralyzed ankle during which FES was applied either with or without ERD modulation.
Results
After 20 minutes of training, the range of movement at the ankle joint and the electromyography amplitude of the affected tibialis anterior muscle were significantly increased following the ERD-modulated FES compared with the FES alone.
Conclusions
The proposed rehabilitation technique using ERD-modulated FES for stroke patients was feasible. The system holds potentials to improve the limb function and to benefit stroke patients.
