fescycling.com

Latest News

Site Purpose

This site has two intentions. Information about FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation) - and in particular FES Cycling. The second is to offer support and information to our clients.

FES Cycling is an effective way of keeping fit when following a spinal cord injury, regular exercise is difficult to get. There is also increasing evidence of the benefit of FES Cycling in long term Multiple Sclerosis and in early stroke rehabilitation.

If you are casual browser there should be plenty to inform you here.

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

Main Menu

Home

Login Form

What is FES Cycling?

This is a therapeutic activity that uses transcutaneous electrical current to initiate muscle contractions of paralysed lower limbs in persons who have sustained a spinal cord injury or been affected by stroke or MS. The order and strength of the muscle contractions are controlled by computer to generate the power to pedal a stationary cycle. The aim is not to provide passive motion - but to actively engage the muscles to generate muscle strength and improve fitness.

Benefits

Key benefits of FESCycling exercise are as follows:

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

FES is a useful in many cerebral motor lesions of the lower limbs including Paraplegia/ Spinal Cord Injury and Stroke

Part of Life

Remember this is not a treatment and certainly not a "cure" - but can be health-giving a part of daily life.
This technology assists the client to exercise and receive fitness benefits otherwise not available.

Gallery - RehaMove

Gallery - RehaBike

RehaMove for Arm and Leg Training

We have had a number of clients with higher level spinal cord injury New Arm Training Option looking for an ability to exercise the arms and shoulders. A new version of RehaMove is now available with software and hardware to actively exercise the arms - and the legs - in one compact system.

The principle for arm training is just the same as that used in the established leg training model...Custom software in the stimulator unit sends pulses to make the muscles of the arm contract.

These pulses are synchronised with the position of the arm crank. The system regulates the pulses to provide active exercise supported automatically by a built-in motor. As the muscles become more efficient and effective the motor's power is reduced ensuring that the user is always exercising safely and effectively.

New software is powerful tool for therapy

RehaStim Unit RehaStim has proved itself to be very effective for FES Cycling. Partnered with a MOTOmed motion trainer, we have many clients around the world routinely exercising at home. Whether following spinal cord injury or post-acute stroke, this technology has an evidence base supporting its use. It’s often not considered therapy any more – this is about enhancing quality of life.

However, RehaStim DOES have a powerful role to assist therapists

Flexing Muscles Call Out for Blood

Flexing Muscles - Good for Health The University of Rochester Medical Centre have been researching an old yet important question. How do flexing muscles tell nearby blood vessels that they need more blood to perform? A study published in the Journal "Circulation Research" appears to have some answers. The findings suggest new ways to reverse poor circulation and heal wounds - both of which are relevant to everyone - but especially to persons with a disability.

RehaStim - Flexible and Powerful

RehaMove system

Anatomical Concepts now offer a new version of the RehaMove FES cycling system that adds arm exercise to an already world-class package.

The fact is that RehaStim is the most flexible and powerful FES system on the market. Designed to offer a full eight channels of controllable stimulation, RehaStim took a step further recently by the addition of new arm training software. Working with the latest Reck MOTOmed systems this extended software brings arms and legs training together in an affordable offering.

Converting stem cells to nerve cells

According to Medgadget.com, researchers at the Burnham Institute for Medical Research in La Jolla, CA have for the first time converted stem cells to nerve cells, and implanted them into mice. The transplantation and accommodation of these cells was successful, and the scientists did not get into the common problems associated with transplanted cells, such as resulting formation of tumors.

Canadians serious about Spinal Cord Research

Over 41,000 Canadians have some kind of spinal cord injury. Another 1,100 are injured every year. Ontario is now working with the Rick Hansen Foundation to support leading-edge spinal cord injury research. "Together, we can make life easier for Ontarians living with spinal cord injuries by bringing exciting discoveries from the lab to the clinic faster,"said Premier Dalton McGuinty.
Read more...

Walkonce More Activities

Jenni Mellis of Walkoncemore has announced two upcoming events that need our support. Walkoncemore - is a UK charity set up in 2006 to support research into a cure for Spinal Cord Injury and is looking for participants for the following events.
Read more...

More...