Control of FNS via pattern variations of response EMG
US5016635A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 29, 1988 |
| Grant date | May 21, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36003
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Paraplegic patients and cetain other paralyzed patients who suffer from an upper motor unit spinal cord injury and undergo FNS (Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation) experience muscle fatigue within a time span that is usually shorter than is normal, but have no sensation of this fatigue due to paralysis. When FNS is used functionally, as is its implied purpose, to stand and walk, the patients need the support of a walker or canes or elbow crutches, and are unable to manually adjust FNS levels or pulse widths to compensate for that fatigue, since the time for this adjustment is exactly when the patients cannot divert attention and hands to anything else. Under FNS, the stimulated muscles produce an EMG (electromyographic) signal at the stimulated site, in response to that stimulation. This response-EMG undergoes pattern changes with the progression of fatigue. The present invention employs pattern recognition of the response-EMG where pattern parameters are identified whose variation with time is a function of the progression of muscle fatigue. This time variation is employed to adjust FNS pulse width and/or pulse level to compensate for that fatigue in an automatic manner that doe…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.