Preliminary tests on a hybrid upper arm exoskeleton for upper arm rehabilitation for disabled patients

This paper deals with Matlab modeling of the upper limb muscles supposed to be driven by means of FES - Functional Electrical Stimulation. FES, is a relative new method used for the recovery of the neurological patient and can be widely applicable. The FES technology is used successfully in recovery of the handicapped people. Most times the central nervous system is affected. The electrical stimulus replaces a command that previous was generated voluntary. In order to produce a muscle contraction sufficient to achieve a movement we have to apply an electrical stimulus and the necessary condition is that the nerve that will cause the contraction to be intact. Complex movements can be produced by activating the muscle lodges in steps which can replicate movements and activities previously made voluntary. These movements are guided by an electrically operated exoskeleton.