Functional Electrical Stimulation

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is predicated on using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to accomplish functional movements. NMES is applied transcutaneously to elicit artificial, involuntary muscle contractions. This line of research uses the RehaMove 3 by Hasomed on both upper and lower limbs.

Hybrid Exoskeletons

Hybrid exoskeletons arise when functional electrical stimulation is combined with rehabilitation robotics. An example hybrid exoskeleton is an FES cycle, which utilizes an onboard electric motor in conjunction with the rider's electrically stimulated muscles to propel the cycle forward. This project is sponsored by Advanced Motion Controls. 

Vicon Motion Capture System

The CHARS Laboratory is equipped with eight Vero 2.2 cameras and Vicon's Nexus software for motion capture studies involving life sciences.

​The video to the right showcases a rider pedaling the FES cycle. 

Electroencephalography

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a monitoring method to record the electrical activity of the brain. This line of research utilizes the Ultracortex Mark IV EEG Headset by OpenBCI to investigate how EEG can be used to control FES, robots, and hybrid exoskeletons. 

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