FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation) Assisting Recovery

The Benefits of FES (Functionable Electrical Stimulation) Cycling




What is FES Cycling?

FES cycling uses co-ordinated electrical stimulation to create a cycling
pattern. This cycling pattern exercises the large muscles of the legs as
running or cycling would do in a person who doesn’t have a spinal cord injury.


What does FES cycling do?


Research has shown some positive benefits:

• Increase in bulk of stimulated muscles

• Increase in bone density in some leg bones

• Help reduce body fat content

• Helps exercise the heart

• Reduces risk of diabetis

• Helps reduce Spasticity

• Helps Maintain flexibility


Who will Benefit ?

• People with incomplete injuries may see improvements in their
ability to voluntarily use their muscles

• People with an upper motor neurone lesion
(FES is not normally effective in lower motor neurone lesions)
• People who cant participate other forms of cardiovascular
exercise


Will FES cycling help recovery?


There is no evidence that FES cycling will stimulate motor recovery if you are
not able to contract any muscles below the level of your injury.

If you have an incomplete injury and can contract muscles but they are weak,
FES cycling is one way to promote use of the intact pathways and train your

muscles to work better. Other activities you undertake in therapy sessions
also promote the use of these pathways.


How much FES cycling do I need?

Ideally 3 times a week at 30 mins a time.

The FES cycle must be set up to provide the correct intensity for you to get a
training effect.

As with any form of exercise, the benefits of FES cycling are only retained while
you maintain your exercise

Risks to Consider

Some individuals have been known to suffer from AD whilst cylcing. After cycling muscle spasms can be stronger (more so as their
leg muscles get stronger) 

You could possibly develop other injuries to your skin or joints if you are not set up
on the cycle properly (Blisters, pressure ulcers, strained joints, broken
bones etc


Sourced from: Here

hello Lαrα i use this when i am in the hosptal

Thats good DJ, you should do more yes, i know you work hard at your physio already but this would be good for you


Hello ridingdirty...yes would be good to hear if you made improvements.

It does seem to be exceptionally beneficial so is worth keeping up with as it helps with other areas of function too

Curious, is there any complete para's that have had luck with the FES and if so what level is your injury? I was approved for an FES system and when I tried to order my supplier (motion specialties) could not order because it had not been approved in Canada? I was looking forward to getting one but no-go. this was 1 1/2 years ago.

Thanks Will

willvape, what do you mean by having any luck with using FES? I see paras using it all the time. What's your injury level?