2011, Volume 6, Issue 1
Frontiers of Mechanical Engineering >> 2011, Volume 6, Issue 1 doi: 10.1007/s11465-011-0207-1
EEG controlled neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the upper limb for stroke patients
1. School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
2. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 17 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 9, Singapore, Singapore
3. Institute for Infocomm Research, 1 Fusionopolis Way, #21-01 Connexis (South Tower), Singapore, Singapore
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Abstract
This paper describes the Brain Computer Interface (BCI) system and the experiments to allow post-acute (<3 months) stroke patients to use electroencephalogram (EEG) to trigger neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)-assisted extension of the wrist/fingers, which are essential pre-requisites for useful hand function. EEG was recorded while subjects performed motor imagery of their paretic limb, and then analyzed to determine the optimal frequency range within the -rhythm, with the greatest attenuation. Aided by visual feedback, subjects then trained to regulate their -rhythm EEG to operate the BCI to trigger NMES of the wrist/finger. 6 post-acute stroke patients successfully completed the training, with 4 able to learn to control and use the BCI to initiate NMES. This result is consistent with the reported BCI literacy rate of healthy subjects. Thereafter, without the loss of generality, the controller of the NMES is developed and is based on a model of the upper limb muscle (biceps/triceps) groups to determine the intensity of NMES required to flex or extend the forearm by a specific angle. The muscle model is based on a phenomenological approach, with parameters that are easily measured and conveniently implemented.
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