Thursday September 09 , 2010
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Featured Product Video

FES Cycling is a proven method of developing improved cardiovascular fitness and other health benefits following a spinal cord injury, stroke or with MS. This short video is a basic introduction to the features and benefits.

FES Sports Day

This short video celebrates the Second FES Sport Event which was held in Glasgow on the 19th & 20th June 2009. It shows some photographs from the event against a music soundtrack. Hope you like it.

Site Purpose

Guide to FES CyclingThis 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. 

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

What is FES Cycling?

FES Cycling is an effective way of keeping fit when, following a spinal cord injury, regular exercise is difficult to get.

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

Sports Day Gallery

FES Cycling - Fitness after spinal cord injury

Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity

It is known that people with spinal cord injury (SCI) have a higher risk (3 to 5 times) of developing diabetes than the general population. This high prevalence of diabetes and inpaired glucoose tolerance has been attributed to changes om body composition and muscle characteristics following the injury.  These changes occur due to relative inactivity and muscle neuron paralysis in people with SCI.

Exercise and particularly aerobic exercise, is considered a cornerstone in the prevention and treatment of diabetes because it has been shown to be effective in improving muscle, adipose tissue and whole body insulin sensitivity.

A study published in 2002 in the Journal Spinal Cord, investigated the effects of FES Cycling on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in a group of seven  individuals  with motor complete spinal cord lesions.

Read more: Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity

 

Nanotechnology May Be Used to Regenerate Tissues

NanotechnologyThe Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies is hosting a fascinating video and powerpoint presentation by Samuel I. Stupp, a Northwestern professor and a world authority on self-assembling nanofibers. One of the achievements of Prof. Stupp and colleagues is the use of nanotechnology to reverse paralysis in lab mice with spinal cord injuries.

From the statement by Northwestern:

In a dramatic demonstration of what nanotechnology might achieve in regenerative medicine, paralyzed lab mice with spinal cord injuries have regained the ability to use their hind legs six weeks after a simple injection of a purpose-designed nanomaterial...

 

Read more: Nanotechnology May Be Used to Regenerate Tissues

   

RehaBike - Outdoor fun

RehaBikeThe RehaBike system enables people affected by paralysis to ride atricycle using the muscular power of their own legs.

By means of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), muscles in the thigh are activated in such a way that coordinated movement is possible and sufficient power is generated.

This enables paralysed people to actively use their lower limbs again. As shown by research, this exercise boosts the metabolism and the cardiovascular system with many positive effects.

 

Read more: RehaBike - Outdoor fun

   

RehaMove - Ergometer training with FES

RehaMove Reck SystemMotor powered ergometers form a part of standard therapy in movement disorders, for example after stroke or accidents.

RehaMove supplements this therapy through Functional Electrical Stimulation of impaired arms and legs and opens up completely new therapeutic possibilities for central paralysis.

Through Functional Electrical Stimulation, the affected muscles are trained and the process of motor nerve propagation is accelerated.  More effective neurological rehabilitation is feasible.  There are real benefits for cardiovascular health and other measures of health status 

Contact US - to obtain your FREE Guide

Read more: RehaMove - Ergometer training with FES

   

More Articles...

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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

Part of Life

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

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

Hasomed GmbH

 

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