Neuroprosthetics: from Basic Research to Clinical Applications

The volume contains papers presented at a workshop of held from September 28 - October 1st in Eibsee near Munich, Germany. The aim of the workshop was to present results of interdisciplinary research which aims to help handicapped persons suffering from paraplegia or hemiplegia to regain the capability to stand or walk. The book covers different aspects of neural prostheses through Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) for restoring movement in paralyzed patients, especially walking and respiration. The clinical application and basic scientific problems of FES are cosidered. the main topics are muscle contraction and fatigue, spasticity, biomechanics, physiologic and artificial motor control strategies, recording from natural sensors, hybrid systems and implanted neural prostheses, as well as surgical approach, protocol for patient selection, pre- and post-FES-training. The book reflects the current research on neural prostheses going on in Europe. It is based on the work performed within the scope of the Concerted Action RAFT (Restoration of Muscle Activity through FES and Associated Technology). The RAFT project is part of the Biomedical and Health Research Program BIOMED I of the European Union.