Closed loop control for restoration of movement in paralyzed muscle.

A basic closed loop control system is described for controlling movement of paralyzed skeletal muscle in humans. The system is based around a Z80 microprocessor with 20K of memory. The system involves sensors to detect the amount of movement in muscle or the tension generated by that muscle, a computer-controlled stimulator, and electrodes placed on the surface of the skin above skeletal muscle for sequential activation of the muscle with electrical stimulation. Applications are described in the system for two types of control; hand control in quadriplegics, and standing and walking in both paraplegics and quadriplegics. Both systems offer a unique challenge to the design engineering in terms of being able to control movement in skeletal muscle for rehabilitation.