Rehabilitation Robotics and Functional Electrical Stimulation

As a research led Russell Group University, we at the University of Southampton are committed to pushing at the known boundaries of science.

For example, in the field of Health Sciences our Rehabilitation and Health Technologies research group is currently exploring the realm of electrical stimulation and rehabilitation robotics in search of new and improved therapies for neurodegenerative conditions.

Here we are conducting a programme of EPSRC funded research into the combined use of rehabilitation robotics and Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES).

The two current projects are: ‘Restoration of Reach and Grasp in Stroke Patients using Electrical Stimulation modulated by Iterative Learning Control’ and ‘Using functional electrical stimulation mediated by iterative learning control and robotics to improve arm movement for people with Multiple Sclerosis’.

In these two studies novel control systems modulate the FES assistance delivered, based on analysis of past performance, reducing or adjusting stimulation as function improves.

The first project aims to find effective ways to use FES in combination with rehabilitation robotics to improve recovery of arm and hand function following stroke.

The second project then takes all that FES and rehabilitation robotics knowhow and applies it to a small sample of Multiple Sclerosis patients to determine the feasibility of using this technology in this patient group.

In tests various reaching tasks are performed with assistance from the Armeo 3D rehabilitation robotics system and FES in accordance with the most up-to-date motor learning theory.

The project employs clinical and engineering research fellows, as well as PhD students. Both work together closely to achieve the core project deliverables, involving system integration, movement analysis, FES controller implementation and testing, and clinical trials.

You can find out much more about these two studies, plus Rehabilitation Robotics and FES in general by visiting our Rehabilitation and Health Technologies research group website. The URL is www.Southampton.ac.uk/rht