FES cycling may promote recovery of leg function after incomplete spinal cord injury.
METHODS
Single subject pilot.


OBJECTIVE
(i) To see whether strength and endurance for recreational cycling by functional electrical stimulation (FES) are possible following spinal cord injury (SCI). (ii) To develop the equipment for FES-cycling.


METHODS
England.


METHODS
Near-isometric or cycling exercise was performed by the incomplete SCI subject at home.


RESULTS
After training for an average of 21 min per day for 16 months, the stimulated muscles increased in size and the subject was able to cycle for 12 km on the level. Surprisingly, there was a substantial increase in the measured voluntary strength of the knee extensors and the subject reports improved leg function.


CONCLUSIONS
FES-cycling may promote recovery after incomplete spinal cord injury. If so, it offers the possibility of being a convenient method for widespread use.
Donaldson
N
N
Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, University College London, UK.
Perkins
T A
TA
Fitzwater
R
R
Wood
D E
DE
Middleton
F
F
D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee / Q000503:physiopathology; D007866:Leg / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D009929:Organ Size; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*