Thursday September 09 , 2010
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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

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


Whereas in traditional motor powered ergometers the legs and arms are moved only passively, RehaMove offers the possibility of active involvement of the paralysed or impaired limbs.

With RehaMove, the muscles are activated by electrical impulses in such a way that coordinated movement is possible and sufficient power is generated for ergometer training.

RehaMove consists of a motor powered cycling ergometer and the RehaStim stimulator. The user sits in a chair or wheelchair in front of the RehaMove. The legs or arms are supported by orthoses. Self-adhesive electrodes are fixed to the skin of the limbs and connected to the stimulator.

RehaStim has a special program for ergometer training. The stimulation frequency and strength and further parameters are adjusted in a few steps and can be saved individually for each user.

At the push of a button the ergometer starts to rotate. Via a connection to the ergometer, RehaStim detects the position of the crank arms, calculates the time at which each muscle needs to be stimulated and sends the stimulation impulses to the electrodes. Thus it creates a fluent movement. The cyclical muscle activation can improve the user’s walking ability and arm function.

Effective Rehabilitation RehaMove is adapted for people with movement disorders, for example with paraplegia, Multiple Sclerosis and after stroke.

In people with residual muscle function following stroke or accidents, Functional Electrical Stimulation can promote faster recovery of the affected nerve pathways, amongst other benefits, due to the activation of the proprioceptive pathways (“carry-over effect”). The process of relearning movement is supported.

For muscle rebuilding, the paretic muscle is trained and activated directly – spasticity is reduced. In contrast to gait training, people who cannot yet walk can accomplish this training with RehaMove.

The therapist is unburdened!

The improvement of muscle function, bone structure and the cardiovascular system are all positive effects which are of particular importance to people with complete or incomplete paraplegia.

Isotonic and and isokinetic training 

Isotonic training: via the motor in the ergometer, a constant movement resistance for the limbs is realised. When the strength of the arms or legs increases through improved muscle function, the ergometer will rotate faster.

Isokinetic training: the motor provides a constant speed at the crank arms. The strength of the limbs is measured and displayed on the RehaStim. 

 

 

About Us

Anatomical Concepts (UK) Ltd are Masters of Rehabilitation Engineering. Working with private individuals, healthcare professionals, businesses and the NHS since 1996.

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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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