Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year (2017-2018 to 2018-2019).

Devices using functional electrical stimulation have been successful in re-training hand function followingx000D
spinal cord injury and stroke. However, triggering of the electrical stimulation is still rudimentary: thex000D
stimulation is triggered by tapping the stimulation device with the other hand or by moving the head. In thisx000D
context, the stimulation devices developed by Rehabtronics Inc. would highly benefit from a design feature thatx000D
triggers electrical stimulation based on the user's muscle activity. Such biofeedback would allow seamless andx000D
effortless triggering of stimulation. It has also been shown to be an effective therapy modality to re-teachx000D
function after neural injury. In this project, we aim to collaborate with the industrial partner to develop ax000D
prototype for triggering electrical stimulation based on muscle activity measurements. We will usex000D
electromyography electrodes, a microcontroller-based environment, and wireless communication to obtain ax000D
design solution that is tailored towards the industrial partner's stimulation devices. This project is expected tox000D
benefit the Canadian industry and healthcare system. It will also allow us to train future biomedical engineersx000D
in biomedical instrumentation, real-time control, and bio-signal processing.