Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a functional electrical stimulation system enables upper-motor-neuron paraplegic patients and certain other paralyzed or partially paralyzed patients to stand and to take steps with the support of a walker in an independent fashion so that they are in control of the stimulation and, noting that they have very little or no sensation, that they still can obtain some feedback on the state of the system. In one embodiment, a compact and safe battery-operated stimulation system is provided that is of pocket size and that allows for non-invasive safe and controlled stimulation using skin surface electrodes.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a functional electrical stimulation system enables upper-motor-neuron paraplegic patients and certain other paralyzed or partially paralyzed patients to stand and to take steps with the support of a walker in an independent fashion so that they are in control of the stimulation and, noting that they have very little or no sensation, that they still can obtain some feedback on the state of the system. In one embodiment, a compact and safe battery-operated stimulation system is provided that is of pocket size and that allows for non-invasive save and controlled stimulation using skin surface electrodes.

Abstract: Muscle fatigue of an electrically stimulated quadriceps muscle of an upper motor neuron paraplegic is detected and compensated for by monitoring the myoelectric (EMG) signal produced by the stimulated muscle and controlling one or more of the following parameters of the electrical stimulation (ES) signal; its pulse repetition rate, its amplitude, and its pulse width.

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.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a functional electrical stimulation system enables upper-motor-neuron paraplegic patients and certain other paralyzed or partially paralyzed patients to stand and to take steps with the support of a walker in an independent fashion so that they are in control of the stimulation and, noting that they have very little or not sensation, that they still can obtain some feedback on the state of the system. In one embodiment, a compact and safe battery-operated stimulation system is provided that is of pocket size and that allows for non-invasive safe and controlled stimulation using skin surface electrodes.