Title: Development of a low-cost non-invasive neurostimulator for applications in post stroke hemiplegics

Authors: S.K. Sabut, M. Manjunatha, Ratnesh Kumar, P. Lenka

Addresses: School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India. ' School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India. ' National Institute for the Orthopaedically Handicapped, B.T. Road, Bon-Hoogly, Kolkata, India. ' National Institute for the Orthopaedically Handicapped, B.T. Road, Bon-Hoogly, Kolkata, India

Abstract: A noninvasive low-cost, programmable single channel stimulator with generating various patterns of waveforms for Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) applications has been developed. The prototype is small, battery-operated, and flexible for various clinical applications in home and in clinics. A microcontroller is heart of the stimulator used for generating rectangular waveforms and natural pattern of Tibialis Anterior (TA) muscle waveform and controls the pulse rate and frequency. This FES system is used for rehabilitation of persons who suffered a central nervous system lesion and lost voluntary control over muscles necessary for standing, walking, hand-grasp etc., and to regain lost functions.

Keywords: non-invasive neurostimulators; FES; functional electrical stimulation; microcontrollers; central nervous system; walking; hand grasp; standing; quality of life; post-stroke hemiplegics; stroke recovery; patient rehabilitation; tibialis anterior muscle waveform; pulse rate control; frequency control.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBET.2010.034942

International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, 2010 Vol.4 No.3, pp.245 - 256

Published online: 31 Aug 2010 *

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