In the world of neurorehabilitation, two approaches have emerged as prominent tools for helping patients regain mobility and function: Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Cycling and Passive Movement Training (PMT). While both have their place in rehabilitation settings, understanding their distinct benefits and limitations is crucial for healthcare professionals and patients alike. PMT, utilising motorized bikes like the Thera or MOTOmed, has long been a staple in hospitals and homes due to its ease of use and accessibility. However, the integration of electrical stimulation in FES Cycling has opened new doors in rehabilitation, particularly for those with spinal cord injuries, stroke, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis. With over three decades of research backing its efficacy, FES Cycling represents a significant advancement in rehabilitation technology – but what makes it truly different from traditional PMT, and why should clinicians and patients take notice? Let's delve into the science behind these approaches and explore their comparative benefits for patient outcomes.

FES Cycling is a well-established technique that allows persons with lower limb paralysis, perhaps after a spinal cord injury, to exercise their leg muscles actively despite the paralysis. In this article, we ask how to enhance muscle mass and joint flexibility through targeted electrode placement and a progressive exercise regimen.

Optimising FES Cycling involves carefully considering several factors to enhance muscle development and improve joint flexibility. Here, we’ll touch on a few key aspects. If you’re interested in exploring the topic further, we’ve included a list of in-depth articles on FES Cycling below.

Find out more information and upcoming dates for our FES drop-in sessions. Open to all our clients, this is a an easy way to ask for a little support, motivation or ask that question you keep fogetting about!

Interested in learning more about FES Cycling before making a formal enquiry? We know sometimes it’s good to have all the information before making an approach. Discover our upcoming webinars and what they over.

The effects of a spinal cord injury (SCI) vary depending on the neurological level of the damage and the extent of neural traffic interruption at the site of the lesion. Common primary effects may include paralysis and loss of sensation in the legs, arms, and trunk, as well as disruptions in bladder and bowel function and the regulation of blood pressure, heart rate, and lung function. In this article, we will look at this topic in detail and how FES Cycling can help persons following a spinal cord injury maintain fitness with a particular focus on cardiovascular function.

What we have found in many years of working with spinal cord injured persons using FES Cycling, is that some clients are impatient to see their legs working hard from day one. They are disappointed when their muscles seem to fatigue so quickly when they start training for the first time. To understand why this is the case, we need to look at how muscles behave when contracting with the aid of electrical stimulation. We should also understand how a spinal cord injury produces changes in a person's muscular, skeletal and neural structures.