Development of Low-Cost Current Controlled Stimulator for Paraplegics

Authors

  • Aizan Masdar UTHM
  • B. S. K. K. Ibrahim UTHM
  • M. Mahadi Abdul Jamil UTHM

Keywords:

Functional electrical stimulation (FES), voltage current converter, wireless, low cost

Abstract

A spinal cord injury (SCI) has a severe impact on human life in general as well as on the physical status and condition. The use of electrical signals to restore the function of paralyzed muscles is called functional electrical stimulation (FES). FES is a promising way to restore mobility to SCI by applying low-level electrical current to the paralyzed muscles so as to enhance that person’s ability to function and live independently. However, due to the limited number of commercially available FES assisted exerciser systems and their rather high cost, the conventional devices are unaffordable for most peoples. It is also inconvenient because of wired based system that creates a limitation in performing exercise. Thus, this project is concerned with the development of low-cost current controlled stimulator mainly for the paraplegic subjects. The developed device is based on a microcontroller, wireless based system using Zigbee module, voltage-to-current converter circuit and should produce proper monopolar and bipolar current pulses, pulse trains, arbitrary current waveforms, and a trigger output for FES applications. This device has been developed as in the new technique of the stimulator development with low cost and one of the contributing factors in Rehabilitation Engineering for patients with SCI.

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Author Biographies

  • Aizan Masdar, UTHM
    Department of Mechatronic and Robotic Engineering, Department of Electronic Engineering, Modeling and
    Simulation Research Laboratory, Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn
    Malaysia, Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, 86400 Johor, Malaysia
  • B. S. K. K. Ibrahim, UTHM
    Department of Mechatronic and Robotic Engineering, Department of Electronic Engineering, Modeling and
    Simulation Research Laboratory, Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn
    Malaysia, Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, 86400 Johor, Malaysia
  • M. Mahadi Abdul Jamil, UTHM
    Department of Mechatronic and Robotic Engineering, Department of Electronic Engineering, Modeling and
    Simulation Research Laboratory, Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn
    Malaysia, Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, 86400 Johor, Malaysia

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Issue

Section

Issue on Electrical and Electronic Engineering

How to Cite

Masdar, A., Ibrahim, B. S. K. K., & Abdul Jamil, M. M. (2012). Development of Low-Cost Current Controlled Stimulator for Paraplegics. International Journal of Integrated Engineering, 4(3). https://penerbit.uthm.edu.my/ojs/index.php/ijie/article/view/621

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