Cycling training and functional electrical stimulation for post-stroke patients

Abstract

Introducion: Stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in adults worldwide. The prevalence of stroke in developing countries such as South Africa and Iran is growing, especially in an increasingly younger population. In Iran, the annual stroke incidence ranges from 23 to 103 per 100,000 inhabitants, with the rate being higher in those aged 15-45 years. Problematically, almost 50% of stroke patients face difficulties in performing activities of daily living, hence the importance of functional rehabilitation. These factors necessitate cost-effective solutions in developing countries, where there is insufficient research focused on practical solutions for treatment/rehabilitation. Objective: We hypothesize that while progressive cycling training would activate cortical regions and that cycling speed feedback could lead to additional cortical activations and resultant improvements in cycling performance, combined cycling training and functional electrical stimulation would result in superior improvements in cycling performance, aerobic capacity, and functional performance in post-stroke patients. Conclusions: Ultimately, we expect this hypothesis to provide a useful framework for facilitating combined cycling and functional electrical stimulation rehabilitation research in post-stroke patient populations. Level of Evidence V; Expert opinion.