Multiple-input single-output closed-loop isometric force control using asynchronous intrafascicular multi-electrode stimulation

IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng. 2011 Jun;19(3):325-32. doi: 10.1109/TNSRE.2011.2123920. Epub 2011 Mar 7.

Abstract

Although asynchronous intrafascicular multi-electrode stimulation (IFMS) can evoke fatigue-resistant muscle force, a priori determination of the necessary stimulation parameters for precise force production is not possible. This paper presents a proportionally-modulated, multiple-input single-output (MISO) controller that was designed and experimentally validated for real-time, closed-loop force-feedback control of asynchronous IFMS. Experiments were conducted on anesthetized felines with a Utah Slanted Electrode Array implanted in the sciatic nerve, either acutely or chronically ( n = 1 for each). Isometric forces were evoked in plantar-flexor muscles, and target forces consisted of up to 7 min of step, sinusoidal, and more complex time-varying trajectories. The controller was successful in evoking steps in force with time-to-peak of less than 0.45 s, steady-state ripple of less than 7% of the mean steady-state force, and near-zero steady-state error even in the presence of muscle fatigue, but with transient overshoot of near 20%. The controller was also successful in evoking target sinusoidal and complex time-varying force trajectories with amplitude error of less than 0.5 N and time delay of approximately 300 ms. This MISO control strategy can potentially be used to develop closed-loop asynchronous IFMS controllers for a wide variety of multi-electrode stimulation applications to restore lost motor function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Anesthesia
  • Animals
  • Axons / physiology
  • Calibration
  • Cats
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Electric Stimulation / methods*
  • Electrodes, Implanted*
  • Equipment Design
  • Foot / innervation
  • Foot / physiology
  • Gait / physiology
  • Isometric Contraction / physiology*
  • Muscle Fatigue / physiology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology*
  • Robotics
  • Sciatic Nerve / physiology
  • User-Computer Interface