Abstract: A device includes a brace that may be used in conjunction with neuromuscular electrical stimulation to induce isometric contractions in one or more muscles of a subject's limb muscles by way of a series of stimulation cycles. The device may include a controller for stimulating the leg muscles, and for autonomously adjusting the stimulation based on a measured force exerted by the leg on the brace. The controller may adjust the stimulation based on the measured force from a previous cycle as compared with a goal force. Additionally, the adjustment may be based on the comparison of the measured force within that cycle to the goal force, analyzed on a continuous basis within that cycle.

Abstract: A device is provided for use in performing an exercise involving at least one lower extremity of a human subject. The device may include a base including at least one moveable receiver adapted for engaging the at least one lower extremity. At least one stimulator is provided for applying electrical stimulation at a first level to at least one muscle for causing movement of the at least one lower extremity. A controller is also provided for adjusting the stimulator to apply stimulation to the at least one muscle at a second level based on a volitional movement by the human subject.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for providing a single-channel, interlaced electrical stimulation signal to a subject from a stimulation unit using a transmission line and a plurality of electrodes. The apparatus may include one or more discrete nodes, each adapted for receiving the electrical stimulation connecting with at least one pair of the plurality of electrodes. The node or nodes are adapted to select the particular signal intended for the electrodes associated with that node. The apparatus may also include one or more sensors in communication with the stimulation unit for communicating information relevant to the subject being stimulated.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for providing electrical stimulation to a subject from a stimulation unit using a transmission line and a plurality of electrodes. The apparatus may include a plurality of discrete nodes, each adapted to connect to the transmission line for receiving the electrical stimulation and to connect with at least one pair of the plurality of electrodes. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: A device and methods for performing a closed-chain exercise for the lower extremities of a human subject and, in particular, the legs, using stimulation. The device may include a sled for receiving the subject and for translating to and fro between a first, lower position in which the legs are at least partially bent and a second, higher position in which the legs are less bent than in the first position. A stimulator is provided for facilitating the performance of the closed-chain leg exercise by the subject to move the sled between the first and second positions, either by way of electrical signals provided directly to the applicable muscles or by way of sensory (e.g., visual) stimulation, with or without electro-muscular stimulation. In another aspect, adaptive feed-forward control may also be used to enhance the exercise regimen performed using the device.

Abstract: In one aspect, a device facilitates performance of a recumbent stepping exercise using stimulation. The device may include a seat for receiving a human exercise subject and foot receivers for alternately translating to and fro relative to a stationary base along a path of travel between a first position in which the legs are at least partially bent and a second position in which the legs are less bent than in the first position. An electrical stimulator is provided for facilitating the performance of the exercise by the subject moving the foot receivers alternately along the path of travel. In another aspect, adaptive feed-forward control may also be used to enhance the stepping exercise performed using the device. Related methods of performing stepping exercises are also provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, a device facilitates performance of a recumbent stepping exercise using stimulation. The device may include a seat for receiving a human exercise subject and foot receivers for alternately translating to and fro relative to a stationary base along a path of travel between a first position in which the legs are at least partially bent and a second position in which the legs are less bent than in the first position. An electrical stimulator is provided for facilitating the performance of the exercise by the subject moving the foot receivers alternately along the path of travel. In another aspect, adaptive feed-forward control may also be used to enhance the stepping exercise performed using the device. Related methods of performing stepping exercises are also provided.