Medical device design for improving orthostatic hypotension during Supine-to-Stand (STS)

Abstract

When healthy people promptly rise from supine to stand (STS), their contraction of leg muscle squeezes blood from the lower limbs to the chest, increasing venous return and contributing to a compensatory increase in blood pressure in order to compensate for gravitational effect. This research aims to design a new device of NMES whose sequence of electric stimulation is bottom-up alternation to simulate natural exercise of SMP. This research illustrates that the innovative Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation is more efficient at increasing BP and faster activates skeletal muscle pump than the existing one. Furthermore, according to the outcome of Likert scale, the new device is more suitable for scenario of subjects carrying out Supine-to-Stand. It provides subjects with more comfort and convenience.