FES Ergometer Personalized Charge Rate Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ergometers equipped with Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) systems require manual calibration by a qualified person, which is time-consuming and does not allow for precise calibration of stimulation charge rate specific to each user's muscular and skeletal characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A method for automatically determining a personalized profile of stimulation charge rate for each user's muscle or group of muscles using a motorized ergometer with integrated FES system, involving a ramp of stimulation charge rate to obtain a static force profile, and optionally determining stimulation intervals for optimal muscle engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration by a qualified person is used, then the FES system can be calibrated, but the calibration process is time-consuming and delays the training phase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically determining stimulation charge rate parameters based on measurements taken during exercise. The ergometer's sensors detect muscle activation and force production, and the control unit processes this data to calculate personalized stimulation parameters without requiring manual intervention from qualified personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual calibration process is replaced with an automated electronic system that uses sensors, processors, and algorithms to determine stimulation parameters. The control unit electronically measures muscle activation through force sensors and calculates optimal charge rates based on pre-programmed protocols and real-time data analysis.
2Ease of operation
If a limited set of accessible parameters or pre-recorded sets is used, then the device is easier to operate, but the calibration cannot be precisely adapted to each user's specific muscular and skeletal characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts stimulation parameters based on real-time measurements of muscle activation and force production during exercise. The control unit modifies charge rate, pulse width, and frequency parameters according to the user's actual physiological response, enabling precise customization for each individual's muscular and skeletal characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors muscle activation and force production during exercise, using this feedback to automatically adjust and optimize stimulation parameters. The control unit processes sensor data in real-time and modifies charge rates based on the user's performance and physiological response, achieving precise calibration without manual intervention.
3Productivity
If stimulation charge rate is not automatically calibrated, then the device structure remains simpler, but the effectiveness of exercise training is reduced due to lack of personalization
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions including monitoring exercise parameters, detecting muscle activation, calculating stimulation charge rates, and controlling the FES system. By integrating these functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the system achieves personalized calibration without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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
Enables fast and precise calibration of FES system parameters specific to each user, improving the effectiveness and personalization of exercise training by adapting stimulation charge rate to individual physiological conditions and exercise types.
Implementation Method 1
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is a well-established rehabilitation technique that delivers pulses of electrical current to the nerves, causing the muscles they innervate to contract
Implementation Method 2
the articulated actuator comprises at least one force sensor and/or at least one position sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for determining a profile of stimulation charge rate for at least one muscle or group of muscles of a subject using the ergometer equipped with a FES system, said profile of stimulation charge rate being specific to the ergometer user. The present invention relates to a method for stimulation intervals for at least one muscle or group of muscles of a subject using the ergometer equipped with a FES system. The present invention also relates to an ergometer, preferably a cyclic ergometer such as an electric stimulation stationary bike, comprising a FES controller with instructions to operate the method of the invention.