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Abstract

An exercising system and method for the treatment and rehabilitation of the paralyzed muscles of the legs. Stimulators and sensors are implanted in several of the main muscle groups of the legs. A computerized controller uses wireless signals for communications with the implanted stimulators and sensors. The person receiving the treatment sits on an exercise machine such as a stationery bicycle, a leg press, a rowing machine or other leg exercising machine. The controller determines the position of the legs and transmits a series of commands to the stimulators to provide functional electrical stimulation (FES) to the muscles of the legs, which move the legs in a cyclical or reciprocating manner, such as that needed to pedal a bicycle. Using data provided by the implanted sensors, the controller is able to adjust the stimulation commands sent to the muscles of the legs to control the amount of force exerted by the foot, to limit user fatigue and to keep the foot in a neutral position on the pedal or footrest. Users of the system who are partially paralyzed in the legs can receive an implanted EMG sensor and the controller can synchronize the stimulation of their paralyzed leg muscles with the user's own voluntary activation of their leg muscles.

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