Friday, May 18, 2012

Site Purpose

This site provides information about FES Cycling (Functional Electrical Stimulation bikes) - and in particular the Hasomed, RehaMove FES bike. Whether following spinal cord injury, stroke or with MS, the RehaMove and RehaBike systems offer the UK best value solutions to long term health, fitness and wellbeing.

If you would like a Guide Document to FES Cycling please Click Here - complete the form or Click the Image to Request a Copy

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What is FES Cycling?

FES Cycling (sometimes referred to as an FES Bike) with RehaMove is an effective way of keeping fit when, following a spinal cord injury, stroke or MS, regular exercise is difficult to get.

This FES technology uses precise electrical stimulation to actively exercise the muscles of paralysed limbs improving circulation, easing spasms and much more following spinal injury. This is vital for long-term health.

The order and strength of the muscle contractions are controlled by a computerised stimulator - generating the power to pedal a motorised cycle - known as an FES Bike. The aim is to actively work the muscles - building muscle bulk, strength and improving fitness and circulation benefits. Effectively reversing many of the detrimental effects on fitness of the spinal injury.

FES BIke Benefits

Key benefits of a RehaMove or RehaBike FES Cycling are as follows (Proven in research studies since the 1980's)

Cardio-pulmonary fitness gains
Rebuild muscle strength and bulk
Improve bone density - stronger bones
Improve blood circulation
Improve intestinal & bladder function
Improve response to insulin (diabetes)
Decrease limb spasticity
Improved feelings of well-being

An FES bike is a useful in many conditions affecting the lower limbs including Paraplegia/ Spinal Cord Injury, MS, Transverse Myelitis and Stroke. Used by thousands around the world at home and in hospital.
UK Residents Contact US for the best service, price and performance.

About Us

Anatomical Concepts (UK) Ltd are Masters of Rehabilitation Engineering. Working with private individuals, healthcare professionals, businesses and the NHS since 1996.

See our Corporate Site

Contact Us

Anatomical Concepts (UK) Ltd
8-10 Dunrobin Court
Clydebank Business Park
Clydebank
Scotland

E: info@fescycling.com
T:+44(0)141-952-2323

Registered in Scotland No SC162409

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What's a RehaMove?

A RehaMove is a very powerful FES Cycling system combining a motion trainer with a computerised muscle stimulator (RehaStim). Manufactured in Germany, this system is used successfully in thousands of homes, hospitals and clinics around the world and supported in the UK by Anatomical Concepts (UK) Ltd. The ideal FES bike for home exercise following a spinal cord injury, or for users with Transverse Myelitis or MS.

Now in its second generation, RehaMove2 is more powerful than ever with improved graphics and useability. We believe that many home users can learn to make adjustments very easily with the training we provide. For those that want additional coaching at home we can provide affordable, professional and local support to all our clients via our network of associates.

What does an FES Cycle do?

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) has long been a research technique used to activate paralysed muscle with low levels of pulsed electrical current. The current is applied using adhesive pads (electrodes) over the muscles in question.

The FES Bike we offer (RehaMove and RehaBike) builds on past research and combines a sophisticated system of delivering stimulation to muscles with a motorised ergometer (cycle). The stimulation unit (RehaStim) included as part of a RehaMove or RehaBike system is a flexible and powerful system that can coordinate the stimulation of up to 8 muscle groups with the movement of the pedals of the cycle (or an arm crank too if the model has the arm training accessory). By adjusting the stimulation, the user can easily set exercise targets to work progressively against resistance. Individuals gain important health benefits through regular use. Research evidence shows that using an FES Cycle is a very effective way of improving health following a spinal cord injury, stroke or with MS.

Can I use an FES Bike?

Almost certainly if you have a spinal cord injury with an intact lower motor neuron - the equipment can generally be used whether you are sensory complete or incomplete - best chance is between C5 and T9. We also have ventilated clients using RehaMove. Check out the benefits, features and contraindications. Absolute contra-indications are relatively few. Specifically they are applicable to

Users of certain types of cardiac pacemakers
Unhealed lower-limb fractures or open wounds
Pregnancy

Please Contact us for guidance about your personal situation or to arrange a demonstration. You will find sample FES cycling case studies on the site and further details on this Rehabilitation Blog.

FES Cycling - Hasomed FES Bike in the UK for exercise after spinal injury

NEW RehaMove Brochure

A new RehaMove brochure is available to mark the launch of the new RehaStim unit. You can review it here. If you would prefer a printed copy just let us know.

I tried an FES Cycle and my muscles didnt respond - what do I do?

Particularly with low-level Spinal cord injuries, there is a chance that "conventional" FES as used in all FES bikes, will not work. This is probably because the so-called lower-motor neurons have been affected by the injury and the damage to nerves prevents FES from triggering muscle contractions.

RehaStim2 Arrives

The New RehaStim 2 has arrived. Improved colour graphics, intuitive to use and improved performance tracking in an affordable package.

The new stimulator, launched in late February and sits alongside the proven RehaStim 1 which will continue to offer the best value FES Cycling system on the market.

Fill in a contact request if you would like more information.

Guidance on FES Cycling and Leg Spasms

Leg spasms, or so-called “spasticity” in the muscles of the legs, are frequently encountered issues in persons who have had a spinal cord injury. These spasms range in intensity and the degree of inconvenience they present to a person.
Medication for spasticity is frequently prescribed but it can be difficult to find the optimum dose. An alternative regime of FES Cycling, stretching and physically “challenging” the muscles has been suggested as practical methods of reducing or even eliminating these leg spasms. This note represents practical guidance on using a RehaMove FES Cycling programme to help reduce leg spams.