FESustain – New sustainable basic technology for functional electrostimulation

Functional electrical stimulation is a medical diagnostic and therapeutic method for restoring damaged or lost nerve functions. Typical applications are after a stroke, in rehabilitation after accidents and operations or for diseases of the nervous system. Sensory, motor or autonomic body functions can be restored through invasive or non-invasive current application. In non-invasive applications, surface electrodes are applied to the skin. Currently, mainly self-adhesive hydrogel electrodes or rubber electrodes are used. The disadvantages are the time-consuming, individual placement of the electrodes and possible skin irritation caused by the hydrogel.

The aim of the FESustain project is to develop a new sustainable technology for functional electrical stimulation. The use of innovative textile electrodes in combination with an applicator makes it possible to place the electrodes quickly and reproducibly. This significantly reduces the workload of medical staff and improves the success of treatment. In contrast to the previously used single-use electrodes, the new sustainable technology is characterised by the possibility of reuse. This significantly reduces the large amounts of waste produced during therapy. In addition to the new innovative electrodes, a new, energy-efficient and battery-operated current stimulator is also being researched and developed with sustainability in mind.