"After suffering an illness that left me with paralysis from the chest down, I was looking for something to help me to keep fit. My muscles had atrophied, and I was unable to exercise properly. After coming to PhysioFunction I discovered the Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Bike and Cross Trainer.
Since using the FES bike regularly, I feel fitter and the muscle mass in my legs is returning. The FES bike is a great way for people with limited or no mobility to keep fit."
What Is FES Cycling and the Benefits?
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) delivers a small electrical current to a nerve via sticky pads (electrodes) placed on the skin. The stimulated nerve in turn activates the muscles that it supplies. When this is coupled with a power-assisted static bike, coordinated muscle contractions can be achieved that can produce strong pedal strokes sufficient to perform a cycling action.
Research has shown the following benefits:
- Increased muscle strength and bulk, which can help with prevention of pressure sores.
- Maintenance of muscle length and joint mobility
- Relaxation of muscle spasms
- Increased local blood circulation.
- Improved bladder | bowel function | mood and well-being
The benefits are not limited to leg muscles. FES cycling can also stimulate the back muscles, stomach muscles and arm muscles. By stimulating the back and stomach muscles, you can improve your posture and potentially your ability to cough more effectively. To acquire and maintain these benefits you must commit to FES cycling as a leisure activity.
Who can use the FES Bike?
FES Cycling would be beneficial if you have:
- Spinal Cord Injury complete or incomplete above T12
- Brain Injury
- Stroke
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson's
- Cerebral Palsy
FES Cycling systems allows
individuals with partial or complete paralysis of the legs to pedal a stationary cycle (a motorised ergometer) with their own muscle power - despite their paralysis. This has a much more powerful effect than using a motorised bike without FES.
You will also need a sufficient range of movement in your upper or lower limbs to accommodate the cycling motion. Your skin must be intact without open wounds or pressure sores, in the areas where the electrode pads will be placed.
Following an initial assessment and setting of the amount of stimulation required, you can build up your exercise tolerance gradually, with up to 45-60 minutes daily. You should aim to cycle for a minimum of three times per week and up to five or six times per week, to achieve optimum results.
Pedalling Your Way to Fitness with FES Cycling
It can be a challenge for individuals with Neurological Conditions with either partial or complete loss of movement in the lower and/or upper limbs, to keep fit. If you have partial or complete loss of movement, then the answer may lie in Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Cycling.
Getting a beneficial workout improves the health of your heart and lungs, rebuilds your muscles, helps with weight management & helps to reduce spasticity.
The muscles must be stimulated in time with the movement of the pedals and the intensity of stimulation is regulated carefully.
- Allowing active exercise of the legs
- Allowing active exercise of the arms and legs (not simultaneously)
The aim of the FES Bike is to build muscle bulk, strength, improve fitness and reduce muscle spasms, producing circulation benefits.
This results in effectively reversing many of the detrimental effects on fitness of the neurological injury.
