Brain control interface functional electrical stimulation for stroke.

Brain control interfaces functional electrical stimulation for stroke.

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have joined forces with a multi-disciplinary rehabilitation team to build a new device to assist motor skills in people who have had a stroke.

The device involves combining functional electrical stimulation (FES) and brain control interface (BCI).

Once the device was up and running, a small trial was conducted with 8 patients who all had one hand affected by stroke.  Interestingly, patients who had suffered from moderate severity of stroke symptoms improved more so, than those with mild or severe cases.

This device is not available in Australia however, FES is commonly used in rehabilitation units across the country.

If you have any questions about FES and how it can help you, contact the friendly staff at My Rehab Team on 1300 469 734 or email on info@myrehabteam.com.au

Reference:

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Image courtesy of sheelamohan at Free Digital Photos. [Online] Available at:  http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Human_body_g281-Synapse_p79934.html (Accessed on 3rd December, 2014)