A sedentary lifestyle increases the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, muscle wasting, osteoporosis, decubitus ulcers and peripheral vascular problems.

We know that maintaining physical activity following spinal cord injury can be challenging, but also very rewarding by improving health and keeping these challenges at bay.

Although FES Cycling is now a proven method of maintaining health the scientific literature is not yet able to give complete guidance on optimising exercise protocols following spinal injury.  We do know that FES cycling appears to be best utilised for developing endurance as opposed to strength.

This article discusses a rational approach to exercise with FES Cycling - including the required frequency, duration and intensity of effort required for health gains.
 

Spinal cord injured persons often look to stem cell research as a potential source of future repair.  This current research can only raise optimism in this regard.

Technology Review published by MIT reported this morning that scientists have developed a way to produce a pure source of muscle cells, a technique that might one day prove useful for treating muscle-related diseases.

Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UT Southwestern) have used embryonic stem cells from mice to grow muscle cells.

According to the European Community, people suffering from conditions such as stroke, blindness, deafness, incontinence, glaucoma or hydrocephalus will be the first to benefit from a range of new technologies and implantable medical devices developed by a pioneering European consortium of researchers, surgeons and technology companies.

Half a century ago, Swedish scientists invented the first implantable heart pacemaker, demonstrating the potential of treating medical conditions by placing electronic devices within the human body. Now a consortium of 27 universities, research centres, hospitals, technology companies and manufacturers is developing new micro-technologies for implantable medical devices of the future.

The key question for potential users of FES Cycling systems is "How can I benefit?"

In soon to be published research by Professor Ken Hunt and his team from Glasgow University the benefits are clear.  Regular clinical measurements, during a 1-year fes cycling training programme, showed important improvements in cardiopulmonary fitness, bone density and muscle bulk and strength.  The study participants in London, Glasgow and Switzerland trained at home and were monitored by scientists who were able to monitor their progress with measurement equipment.