Evaluation of FES-induced Muscle Fatigue and Recovery using Torque and Surface Electromyography

Abstract

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation and mobility of patients, but it introduces muscle fatigue which can impact the treatment process. This work presents a novel approach for monitoring FES-induced muscle fatigue and recovery by torque and surface electromyography (sEMG) signals. A predefined pattern of FES is applied on the rectus femoris muscle to induce isometric contraction, while torque and sEMG data are collected to assess muscle fatigue and subsequent recovery. The sEMG data are filtered using notch stop and high-pass filters, and subsequently assessed in both the time domain (Root Mean Square, RMS) and frequency domain (mean frequency). The results indicated that torque and RMS decreased during fatigue and increased during recovery, while the mean frequency of the sEMG signal exhibited an opposite trend. These findings provide valuable insights into the dynamics of muscle fatigue under FES and have implications for enhancing the understanding and management of muscle fatigue in rehabilitation therapy.

Authors 5

1. Chenglin Lyu Aachen Chair for Medical Information Technology

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University,Chair for Medical Information Technology, Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering,Aachen,Germany

2. Georgios Panteli Aachen Chair for Medical Information Technology

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University,Chair for Medical Information Technology, Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering,Aachen,Germany

3. Leo Cornelius Bollheimer Aachen Faculty of Medicine Department of Geriatric Medicine (Medical Clinic VI)

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University Hospital,Faculty of Medicine,Department of Geriatric Medicine,Aachen,Germany

4. Steffen K. Leonhardt Aachen Chair for Medical Information Technology

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University,Chair for Medical Information Technology, Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering,Aachen,Germany

5. Philip von Platen Aachen Chair for Medical Information Technology

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University,Chair for Medical Information Technology, Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering,Aachen,Germany