Stroke - Value of FES Cycling?

For years, the prevailing wisdom in the field of stroke rehabilitation was that traditional therapy methods can have little beneficial effect for patients with chronic stroke, particularly over the long term.  The idea was that the brain was "hard wired" and any damage to the structure due to stroke or head injury could not be reversed.

Research into the Neuroplasticity of the brain is now showing that in fact the brain and the nervous system have a remarkable ability to recover function providing that the right type of stimulus is available.

Developers have noticed that certain individuals can benefit from FES Cycling to recover muscle strength and co-ordination inthe lower-extremities.  The question researchers now want to answer is "How do we spot the individuals who can benefit most from FES Cycling when it comes to recovering from a stroke?"

In the immediate aftermath of a stroke, the severe trauma suffered by the brain can block a patientÙs ability to move his or her arm and leg on one side of the body. As the months pass, the trauma lessens, releasing the block. During those months, however, the patient “learns” not to attempt to use the affected arm or leg, because it doesnÙt work. Efforts to make it work are painful, or futile—perhaps even embarrassing. In addition, the patient perhaps hears negative messages from health professionals who believe that nothing can be done.

In Germany a clinical trial is being conducted to identify whether individuals who are recovering from stroke can have the quality and speed of their recovery enhanced by the use of FES Cycling.

This randomised, single-blinded study will assign patients to a variety of treatment groups.  FES cycling will be compared with sham FES cycling as well as standardised physiotherapy treatment.  Some 45 patients will be included. It is hoped that the results will be published in 2008.