Development of a Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation System for Independent Ambulation of Patients with a Spinal Cord Injury

This paper proposes the use of a controlled assistive device, aimed as a support for the impaired individuals to allow a limited ambulatory function. The aim of the overall project is to develop a simple, portable and economically accessible device that permits the limited movement of the inferior extremities on patients with lumbar spinal cord injuries. The scope of the present investigation is limited to not perform medical investigation direct on patients. For the purpose of testing it is planned to use a mechanical model. As the input control interface it will be used a dataglove for the right hand.