Biomedical subjects

G Obinata

Publications and source records attributed to G Obinata.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1999

Hybrid functional electrical stimulation for energy-efficient restoration of standing-up motion.

OBJECTIVE: To find the most energy-efficient standing-up motion for quadriceps and to restore that motion in a person with complete paraplegia by using hybrid functional electrical stimulation. DESIGN: Nonrandomized control trial. SETTING: A referral center and institutional practice providing outpatient care. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-nine volunteer samples were used to collect normal data. One patient with complete paraplegia received treatment for the restoration of standing-up motion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Joint angles and ground reaction forces were investigated during the standing-up motion with arms crossed in front of the chest with an ankle-foot orthosis set at various angles. The electromyogram (EMG) was performed during the standing-up motion with and without the orthosis. The energy costs of quadriceps during the standing-up motion were calculated using a mathematical model. Standing-up motion in a person with complete paraplegia was restored and then analyzed by measuring the vertical ground reaction force and the hip and knee angles. RESULTS: Quadriceps energy cost was lowest (p < .05) in subjects wearing the ankle-foot orthosis set at neutral with a flat sole line. In the integrated EMG the peak value of rectus femoris contraction was larger with the orthosis than without it (p < .05). A patient with complete paraplegia was able to stand up smoothly from a wheelchair based on stimulation patterns obtained from healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Energy-efficient standing-up motion in a patient with complete paraplegia was restored when the patient used an ankle-foot orthosis set at neutral with a flat sole line.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

An electrical knee lock system for functional electrical stimulation.

An electrical knee lock system that can be combined with functional electrical stimulation was designed for paraplegic patients. This knee system unlocks the knee electrically and allows knee flexion during the swing phase of the gait. When the knee is extended by electrical stimulation of the knee extensors, the knee is automatically locked by the weight of the locking bar, and the stimulation of the knee extensors is stopped. Since the knee extensors are stimulated for only a short period, muscle fatigue of the knee extensors seldom occurs. We applied this system to a T8 completely paraplegic patient. Standing-up, standing, walking, and sitting-down motions were all restored by our hybrid system. No electrical stimulation was necessary during standing, and the knee extensors were stimulated during only a small percentage of the 1-gait cycle.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Restoration and analysis of standing-up in complete paraplegia utilizing functional electrical stimulation.

OBJECTIVE: Restoration of stand-up motion in patients with complete paraplegia utilizing multichannel functional electrical stimulation, and analysis of the restored motion. DESIGN: Nonrandomized control trial. SETTING: General community, a referral center, institutional practice, and ambulatory care: PATIENTS: Twelve volunteer samples were used for the collection of normal data. Two complete paraplegics received treatment for the restoration of stand-up motion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The electromyogram, joint angle, and floor reaction force were investigated during standing-up with arms crossed in front of the chest, and hands-assisted standing-up using parallel bars. The maximum knee joint torque during standing-up without hands-assists was calculated using a three-segment link model. Standing-up motion in complete paraplegics was restored, and then analyzed using the three-dimensional floor reaction force and the hip, knee, and ankle angles. RESULTS: Main muscles used to stand up were the quadriceps, tibialis anterior, and paraspinal muscles. Hands-assists reduced the muscle activity and the vertical floor reaction force. Peak muscle activity was less during hands-assisted standing-up, except for the rectus femoris and the iliopsoas muscle. The maximum knee joint torque during standing-up was 1.6Nm/kg for both knees. Two complete paraplegics were able to stand up smoothly from a wheelchair based on stimulation data obtained from normal subjects. The characteristic pattern during standing-up was knee flexion preceding extension. CONCLUSION: Stand-up motion was restored utilizing electromyogram data and knee joint torque data from normal subjects.

Adult↗