Development of contralaterally controlled functional electrical stimulation to realize multiple grasping postures with data glove

Abstract

To assist with functional electrical stimulation (FES) training for more effective recovery of grasping functions in paralyzed patients, our system recognizes multiple grasping postures of the opposite hand and selectively activates the muscles of the target hand using 24 multi-pad electrodes placed on the inner side of the forearm. Hand motion is detected via a data glove with carbon nanotube strain sensors placed at the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints of each finger. The stimulating electrode patterns are established in advance by an automatic search of all electrode configurations. Multi-pad electrical stimulation based on the posture of the opposite hand symmetrically produces multiple grasping postures in the target hand.