A Pilot Study of Lower-limb FES Cycling in Paraplegia

Author: K. J. Hunt1,2, T. Schauer1, N. Negård1, W. Stewart2, M. H. Fraser2

Source: http://fesnet.eng.gla.ac.uk/CRE/ifess02.doc

Abstract: The aim of this work was to develop the engineering methods and apparatus for FES cycling, and to achieve regular periods of mobile FES cycling over significant distances with paraplegic subjects. The study utilised a commercial recumbent tricycle, which was instrumented for stimulation control. Three subjects with a complete spinal cord lesion at level T7-T10 were recruited for the study. After four months of participation in the study the subjects were able to cycle outdoors for distances of up to 3km in a single session. The subjects are also able to cycle continuously and reliably on an indoor cycle trainer for periods of up to 1 h. We conclude that mobile FES cycling over useful distances outdoors is a realistic option for the paraplegic population, even with a low-intensity training regime. Future work will involve FES cycling exercise tests to document changes in cardio-pulmonary fitness in SCI subjects.

Institute: 1 Centre for Rehabilitation Engineering, University of Glasgow, 2 Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit; Southern General Hospital

Language: English