The FES Sport Day on 19th & 20th June, brought competitors and visitors from Australia, Germany, England and Scotland to compete in various FES Sport events and to experience the latest research and development into FES technology.  FES or Functional Electrical Stimulation is the technology that allows spinal cord injured individuals to independently exercise when previously their injury served as permanent obstacle to this.

Sponsored by Anatomical Concepts (UK) Ltd and Hasomed GmbH, the event expanded on a similar event held for researchers in the field back in 2006.

At this event, in addition to the “games”, participants were able to listen to speakers addressing the themes of research, personal development and product design.  As the event brought together spinal cord injured persons, researchers, clinicians and business people, the discussions were lively and eye opening for many.

Luke for example “I found it extremely useful, well worth the 8-hr drive”
Henrik said “It brought a range of like-minded people together, and hopefully keeps the momentum going to get FES systems out there into the real world”

Dr Derek Jones of Anatomical Concepts (UK) Ltd said: “The FES technology combined with motorised indoor and outdoor cycles has been proven to offer new possibilities for spinal cord injured persons to make significant improvements to their general health, develop their cardiovascular fitness, build bone strength, and enjoy an athletic challenge.

The plan now is to build on this success and host the next event in Germany in a couple of years.