Abstract
To restore gait performance in two complete paraplegics, the closed-loop control system was introduced to multi-channel functional electrical stimulation by use of percutaneous electrodes, combined with ankle-foot orthosis and an L-walker. In both patients, the functional status of closed-loop control was observed. The patients could stand up and sit down stably. They were able to walk continuously with reciprocating gait for 20 and 25 meters at gait velocities of 0.02 m/sec and 0.03m/sec, respectively. In reconstructive standing-up and locomotion therapy using functional electrical stimulation, muscle fatigue caused by electrical stimulation is one of the major problems. Reducing the amount of electrical stimulation needed to stimulate muscles can be achieved using closed-loop control. Our results suggest that complete paraplegics can stand-up and walk reciprocally by way of functional electrical stimulation with the closed-loop control system.
