fescycling.com

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Site Purpose

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

Our clients receive a login name and password giving access to a user forum, knowledge base, private messaging and much more.

If you are casual browser there should be plenty to inform you here. If you are a client, log-in and get started.

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

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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.

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Building leg power with RehaMove

Written by Derek Jones
When a user commences work on the RehaMove system they may not have enough muscle power to actively cycle. Using an ergometer such as the Reck MOTOmed without stimulation, allows the built-in motor to do the work and the user’s legs are moved passively through the range of motion. This has some value – but wouldn’t it be better if your legs were actually doing the work? By virtue of the computer-controlled stimulation provided by a RehaMove system, your leg muscles build strength to do more and more of the work over time. The result is a workout that benefits your cardiovascular system and builds muscle bulk.
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Wheelchair Invention shaped by Autodesk

Written by Derek Jones

Invention Autodesk is a well known company offering the software system Autodesk Inventor. They host a design competition for students and the details can be found at this link

They judged designs based on the broad use of Inventor capabililities, innovation, and aesthetic appeal.

This wheelchair for the 21st century was designed as an entry for a contest organized by Technische Universiteit Eindhoven in the Netherlands.

Spinal Cord Injury and Exercise

Written by Derek Jones

Exercise for life Once a spinal cord injury has been stabilised and the individual has been rehabilitated to his or her fullest potential, establishing a wellness routine can be beneficial to staying well and maintaining functional capacity.

This overall approach encompasses many issues, including exercise. Exercise programming should be tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Prior to beginning an exercise program, it is important to work under the consultation of a physician who specializes in spinal cord injury.

The Basics - What is FES?

Written by Derek Jones

Spinal cord injury (SCI) or multiple sclerosis (MS) can produce total or partial paralysis. The person who has one of these conditions may be unable to move parts of his or her body. Breathing, blood circulation, bladder and bowel function may also be affected.

In the last 30 years, medical scientists and engineers have invented methods and devices to assist with these problems. One technique is called functional electrical stimulation (FES) (pronounced “ef-ee-es”.)

Because FES can be applied to many different physical problems, any person with SCI or MS may want to investigate FES as a treatment option.

FES is a method of applying low level electrical currents to the body to restore or improve function. A heart pacemaker is one example of an FES system. Other types of FES may restore lost abilities such as standing or grasping. Also, FES may assist with some secondary problems of paralysis such as poor blood circulation or slow wound healing.

Agreement takes shape

Written by Derek Jones

Agreement signed Anatomical Concepts created this site as a result of signing a marketing and distribution agreement with Hasomed GmbH of Magdeburg Germany for their FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation) products.

The Products - described elsewhere on this site offer benefits to spinal cord injured persons. The technology, developed in Germany and enhanced with research collaboration with the University of Glasgow, may also have benefits for stoke rehabilitation and MS.

Directors of Anatomical Concepts William Munro and Derek Jones are pictured with Andrea Weber, Marketing Director and Dr Peter Weber, Managing Director of Hasomed.

The Scottish Spinal Injuries Unit is now a demonstration centre for these products. The Scottish Unit has strong research links with Professor Ken Hunt's team at the University of Glasgow. Research is of greater value if it can be turned into effective products and services. We are hopeful that this will become a very productive partnership.

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