Ankle Rehabilitation Control With Synchronized Electrical Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rehabilitation methods for ankle function, particularly for individuals with central nervous system disorders such as stroke, are limited in improving sensory function, functional movement, and muscle strength, especially for those with difficulty in voluntary control of ankle muscles due to muscle weakness, spasticity, and sensory function deterioration.
Innovation Solution
An electrical stimulation-based ankle muscle rehabilitation training apparatus that includes electrode pads attached to specific muscle groups and controlled movements to apply electrical stimulation sequentially, performing dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, eversion, inversion, supination, and pronation operations, with a control unit managing the electrical stimulation and movement sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If manual ankle trainers and resistance bands are used for rehabilitation, then muscle strength can be improved, but sensory function and functional movement improvement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple rehabilitation modalities into one integrated system: functional electrical stimulation (FES) is merged with automated ankle movement training. The FES device delivers electrical impulses to ankle muscles while the automated trainer provides controlled movement through the ankle joint, creating a synergistic effect that simultaneously improves muscle strength, sensory function, and functional movement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated ankle trainer as an intermediary device that mediates between the patient's limited voluntary control and the rehabilitation goals. The trainer provides controlled movement assistance through a rotation shaft and motor system, enabling patients with weak voluntary control to still benefit from structured rehabilitation exercises that target sensory function and muscle strength
2Length of moving object
If automated ankle trainer with rotation shaft is used, then range of movement can be provided, but improvement in sensory function and functional movement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges passive range of motion training with active electrical stimulation therapy. While the automated trainer provides the mechanical movement through the rotation shaft to ensure adequate range of motion, the concurrent FES application stimulates sensory receptors in the muscles and skin, enhancing sensory function rehabilitation alongside the mechanical movement benefits
3Strength
If functional electrical stimulation is applied, then muscle strength can be improved, but coordinated ankle movement control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a coordinated control system where the automated ankle trainer monitors movement phase and provides feedback to control the timing of electrical stimulation delivery. The system detects the current phase of ankle movement (dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, eversion) and synchronizes FES pulse delivery to match the appropriate muscle activation phase, thereby improving coordinated movement control while maintaining muscle strength benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the electrical stimulation delivery dynamic and adaptive rather than static. The stimulation parameters (timing, intensity, duration) are adjusted in real-time based on the current ankle movement phase detected by the automated trainer, allowing the system to optimize muscle activation patterns for coordinated control while maintaining strength-building effects
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus induces ankle angle changes and improves muscle strength, relieves pain, enhances ankle sensation and exercise function, and improves balance and ankle control ability in daily life by providing biaxial ankle movement and electrical stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical stimulation providing unit; and a control unit that controls the ankle movement providing apparatus to sequentially perform a first operation of repeating dorsiflexion and plantarflexion movements a plurality of times, a second operation of repeating eversion and inversion movements a plurality of times, and a third operation of repeating pronation and supination movements a plurality of times, and controls the electrical stimulation providing unit to apply electrical stimulation to the first to fourth electrode pads
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical stimulation-based ankle muscle rehabilitation training apparatus comprising: an ankle movement providing device that provides dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, eversion, inversion, supination, and pronation operations; first and second electrode pads respectively attached to the proximal and distal portions of the tibialis anterior representative of the ankle dorsiflexor; third and fourth electrode pads respectively attached to the proximal and distal portions of the peroneus longus representative of the ankle evertor; an electrical stimulation providing unit for applying electrical stimulation to the first to fourth electrode pads; and a control unit that controls the ankle movement providing device to sequentially perform a first operation of repeating dorsiflexion and plantarflexion movements, a second operation of repeating eversion and inversion movements, and a third operation of repeating supination and pronation movements at an appropriate slow speed, and controls the electrical stimulation providing unit to apply electrical stimulation to the first to fourth electrode pads.