Muscle stimulation systems

Abstract

A control system for controlled exercise controls a functional electrical stimulation (FES) system which applies electrical signals to muscle groups of a user such as a user having a disability; the user exercises on a motor driven exercise machine such that substantially isokinetic exercise during a movement is obtained as the user's body part moves with a motor driven displaceable element of the machine. This element provides resistance to applied displacement load from the user's stimulated muscles. A feedback control system receives signals indicative of the user's performance and a control arrangement controls electrical stimulation to the user's muscles to achieve a desired exercise regime.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a control system and applications of such control systems to the field of electrical stimulation of muscles for the purpose of an exercise program. By way of example, the invention will be illustrated with reference to controlling a functional electrical stimulation (FES) system to induce leg muscle contractions that permit a user with a physical disability to benefit from such exercise. One important example is to apply the invention to use of a machine that simulates cycling motion, but the principles of the invention may be applied to other machines. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] This is a continuation of co-pending U.S. Ser. No. 10 / 492,804, filed Sep. 3, 2004. [0003] FES systems have been published in the prior art literature such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,499,900 (Petrofsky et al) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,272 (Lieber). One system that has been commercially developed and relates to the Petrofsky teachings is that market...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention aims at overcoming the problems associated with prior art systems by providing a control system for a FES system that is capable of providing safe and effective stimulation of muscles which may be described as reliant on a combination of applied stimulation and passive stimulation.

[0045] A preferred system also has means for recording information about training sessions (e.g. FES parameters, peak and average power / torque outputs, etc) and users or therapists can customise the FES parameters and training sessions as desired. It is also preferred that the software can determine, and record for later analysis, specific timing for electrical stimulation pulses for each individual over the duration of a training session. In essence, the software is preferably arranged to operate in real time to facilitate maximising the training stimulus during an exercise session at a selected training velocity for a wide variety of users with physical disabilities.

Problems solved by technology

The likelihood of over-stimulation of the muscles is therefore greatly increased and the potential of such systems to cause permanent damage to the recipient is high.

For this reason such exercise systems have not been widely accepted as therapeutic devices.

Such a system also has the problem that should the individual wish to perform high intensity exercise then they are solely reliant on increasing the amount of electrical energy delivered to the muscles.

Such an increase can therefore cause over stimulation of the muscles and risks causing permanent damage in much the same manner as the systems described above.

Such systems, whilst reducing the risk of over stimulation of the muscles and permanent damage associated therewith, are limited in the amount of benefit they can provide with regard to muscle strength and / or cardiorespiratory exercise training.

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