Function electrical stimulation mediated by iterative learning control and 3D robotics reduces motor impairment in chronic stroke

 And you really think there is any chance insurance will pay for these expensive interventions when you are chronic and long past being plateaued out of insurance? They talk improved NOT 100% recovery so massive amounts of research yet to do.

Function electrical stimulation mediated by iterative learning control and 3D robotics reduces motor impairment in chronic stroke

• Katie L Meadmore,
• Ann-Marie Hughes,
• Chris T Freeman,
• Zhonglun Cai,
• Daisy Tong,
• Jane H Burridge &
• Eric Rogers 

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation volume 9, Article number: 32 (2012) Cite this article

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Abstract

Background

Novel stroke rehabilitation techniques that employ electrical stimulation (ES) and robotic technologies are effective in reducing upper limb impairments. ES is most effective when it is applied to support the patients’ voluntary effort; however, current systems fail to fully exploit this connection. This study builds on previous work using advanced ES controllers, and aims to investigate the feasibility of Stimulation Assistance through Iterative Learning (SAIL), a novel upper limb stroke rehabilitation system which utilises robotic support, ES, and voluntary effort.

Methods

Five hemiparetic, chronic stroke participants with impaired upper limb function attended 18, 1 hour intervention sessions. Participants completed virtual reality tracking tasks whereby they moved their impaired arm to follow a slowly moving sphere along a specified trajectory. To do this, the participants’ arm was supported by a robot. ES, mediated by advanced iterative learning control (ILC) algorithms, was applied to the triceps and anterior deltoid muscles. Each movement was repeated 6 times and ILC adjusted the amount of stimulation applied on each trial to improve accuracy and maximise voluntary effort. Participants completed clinical assessments (Fugl-Meyer, Action Research Arm Test) at baseline and post-intervention, as well as unassisted tracking tasks at the beginning and end of each intervention session. Data were analysed using t-tests and linear regression.

Results

From baseline to post-intervention, Fugl-Meyer scores improved, assisted and unassisted tracking performance improved, and the amount of ES required to assist tracking reduced.

Conclusions

The concept of minimising support from ES using ILC algorithms was demonstrated. The positive results are promising with respect to reducing upper limb impairments following stroke, however, a larger study is required to confirm this.