This thesis presents a multifaceted approach to improve functional electrical stimulation (FES), focusing on novel transcutaneous electrodes, stimulation strategies, and biomechanical optimization. The initial study examines the effectiveness of garment-embedded textile electrodes with moisturizing lotion, compared to conventional hydrogel electrodes. It evaluates stimulation comfort, consistency, efficiency, and impedance under isometric conditions. Participants tested both electrode types for motor threshold intensity, sensation, and tolerability. Findings suggest that lotion-enhanced textile electrodes match hydrogel electrodes in comfort and efficiency. Another study explores the impact of spatially distributed sequential stimulation (SDSS) at moderate (MI) and high (HI) intensities on fatigue reduction in spinal cord injury patients. Focusing on quadriceps muscles, it reveals that MI SDSS is significantly more effective than HI. Additionally, a case study comparing power generation and fatigue in FES cycling using SDSS versus a single electrode setup showed that SDSS produces more power without increasing fatigue. The final study aims to optimize cycling biomechanics and stimulation patterns for maximal power with minimal stimulation. It utilizes a precise muscle model and torque transfer functions to determine optimal seating, trunk angle, crank arm length, and stimulation intervals, including the role of muscle force-velocity in these optimizations. Simulations with six subjects indicated minimal impact of the force-velocity factor on optimal seating. We believe that the contributions of this thesis will increase the efficacy of FES as a rehabilitation technique.
Gratuit
Disciplines