Functional magnetic stimulation: theory and coil optimization

Abstract

Excitable tissue can be stimulated non-invasively by means of externally applied changing magnetic fields. This paper considers theoretically magnetic stimulation to functionally stimulate the tissue. We optimize the stimulating coil to accomplish functional magnetic stimulation (FMS) with the minimum cost expressed in terms of driving energy needed to provoke excitation. Magnetic stimulation is less discomfortable than functional electrical stimulation (FES) and therefore, the use of FMS opens up completely new views to the restoration of movement and therapy in patients with neuromuscular system impairment. Advances in coil design can make FMS a promising application field for magnetic stimulation.