Abdominal stimulation for respiratory support in tetraplegia: a tutorial review

Gollee, H. , Hunt, K.J., Fraser, M.H. and McLean, A.N. (2008) Abdominal stimulation for respiratory support in tetraplegia: a tutorial review. Journal of Automatic Control, 18(2), pp. 85-92. (doi: 10.2298/JAC0802085G)

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Abstract

Neuromuscular stimulation of the abdominal wall muscles can provide respiratory support in tetraplegia, where the main expiratory muscles are affected by paralysis. Stimulation may be applied by simple surface stimulation, resulting in ab uniform muscle contraction which can help to improve expiratory function for coughing and breathing. In this review, an overview of methods and approaches available for abdominal muscle stimulation is given. Studies are discussed which show that this technique can lead to improvements in expiratory flow and tidal volume, resulting in enhanced cough and breathing functions. Approaches are introduced which aim to integrate abdominal stimulation with the subject’s own voluntary breathing functions. These are illustrated with experimental results from the evaluation of automatic stimulation methods in tetraplegic patients. Clinical significance and applications are discussed and future developments are outlined.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Hunt, Prof Kenneth and Gollee, Dr Henrik
Authors: Gollee, H., Hunt, K.J., Fraser, M.H., and McLean, A.N.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Biomedical Engineering
Journal Name:Journal of Automatic Control
Publisher:Faculty of Electronics, Belgrade
ISSN (Online):1450-9903

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