EMG signal discrimination for controlling walking functions in paraplegics under electrical stimulation

The authors describe the use of electromyographic (EMG) signatures for controlling functional electrical stimulation (FES) in upper-motor-neuron paraplegics to enable them to walk with the help of a walker, or in some cases with the help of elbow-support crutches. It is shown that the above-lesion and below-lesion EMG controls both serve complementary and crucial roles in total FES control. It is also shown that below-lesion response EMG control of stimulation-levels can play a crucial role in FES, regardless of above-lesion EMG control. This can be done in conjunction with other control methods such as hand-switch control or pelvic thrust.<>