FES cycling may promote recovery of leg function after incomplete spinal cord injury

Abstract

Study design: Single subject pilot. Objectives: (i) To see whether strength and endurance for recreational cycling by functional electrical stimulation (FES) are possible following spinal cord injury (SCI). (ii) To develop the equipment for FES-cycling. Setting: England. Methods: Near-isometric or cycling exercise was performed by the incomplete SCI subject at home. Results: After training for an average of 21 min per day for 16 months, the stimulated muscles increased in size and the subject was able to cycle for 12 km on the level. Surprisingly, there was a substantial increase in the measured voluntary strength of the knee extensors and the subject reports improved leg function. Conclusion: FES-cycling may promote recovery after incomplete spinal cord injury. If so, it offers the possibility of being a convenient method for widespread use. Sponsorship: Spinal Injuries Unit, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore.