Friday March 12 , 2010

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

RehaMove systemWe know that for good health we all need adequate exercise and this is normally difficult if not impossible for individuals following a spinal cord injury.  However, if exercise could become possible, those with spinal cord injury potentially have a lot to gain.  New research is also showing positive benefits in post-stroke rehabilitation and in allowing persons with Multiple Sclerosis to exercise.

The function of the RehaMove system is to allow such individuals to operate a stationary cycle (a motorised ergometer) with their own muscle power.

We know that in order to have a beneficial effect on the bones, muscles and cardiovascular system, exercise should involve working the large muscles of the body against some form of resistance.  The RehaMove system is an easy, effective and safe way of activating these leg muscles and achieving exercise health benefits. 

A sophisticated control system delivers stimulation to selected muscles of the leg to develop muscle power over time.  At the push of a button the ergometer starts to rotate, the system detects the position of the crank arms, calculates the time at which each muscle needs to be stimulated and sends the correct stimulation impulses to the electrodes. 

Thus it creates a fluent cycling movement. Over time, as the condition of the leg muscles improves, they are able to take a greater share of the effort required to pedal against resistance producing a training effect.  The system senses the contribution that the users muscles can make from moment to moment during the cycling task and adjusts how hard the user is working – making up the difference with motor power.

Indications for Usage
The RehaMove System is applicable to spinal cord injured persons with complete or incomplete lesions where the lower motor neurons are still intact.  Spasticity in the limbs is generally managed by the system, which automatically senses and adapts to the onset of muscle spasm in the lower limbs during use.

To use the system effectively it is necessary that the user, perhaps with the support of a helper, can place electrodes correctly, position a wheelchair or appropriate seating system close to the motion trainer and secure the feet within the motion trainer pedals.

The system is available as a leg cycling only - or a combined arms and legs exercise system.

Check out the Gallery.  Click an image to enlarge

 Cost Effective
The RehaMove system is designed to complement the most popular motorised ergometers on the market - for example by Reck or TheraVital.  A plug-in interface allows the stimulation system to cooperate with the ergometer.

Many people already have an ergometer - for the first time you can add FES stimulation cost-effectively so that active cycling is possible.

If you would like to learn more request information through the contact enquiry page

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

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