FES-assisted abdominal exercise: A simulation approach

This paper presents the development of FES-assisted abdominal exercise that specially designed for persons with neurological disorder such as stroke. A model of modified abs flex exercise equipment namely abdominal exercise ergometer and the humanoid models were developed using the dynamic simulation software. The body composition of the humanoid model is based on the anthropometric data. Based on the pre-defined hip joint trajectory, the developed model is evaluated according to the torque required at hip joint throughout the exercise cycle with the voluntarily contraction is assumed at the abdominal part. With an appropriate hip joint torque, the model is able to achieve smooth exercise movement by following the pre-defined hip joint trajectory. The performance of the model developed indicates that the model can be used for future development of FES-assisted abdominal exercise.