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.

Recovery and progress often seem daunting, especially when facing significant physical challenges or lifestyle changes. Whether you're an injured patient working through rehabilitation or someone who has fallen out of healthy habits, the gap between where you are and where you want to be can feel overwhelming. This article explores why taking that first small step - no matter how modest it may seem - is the most crucial part of any journey toward recovery or positive change. Drawing from both clinical experience with rehabilitation patients and personal insights about motivation, we'll examine how the compound effect of small, consistent actions can lead to remarkable transformations, even when the path ahead appears insurmountable.

At Anatomical Concepts, we look to other fields for insight and inspiration that we can bring to rehabilitation. For example, elite athletes like our rehabiliation clients will set training goals, undergo rigorous physical training and adhere to strict plans to achieve peak performance. This article explores the potential benefits of applying the principles of elite athlete training to help individuals recover from neurological conditions.

In the intricate world of rehabilitation, the challenges posed by human complexity exceed those found in high-performance systems like Formula 1 cars. This article explores the multifaceted nature of rehabilitation, emphasising the importance of systems thinking in addressing individual variability and interconnected factors that impact recovery. As we delve into how each person's unique biological and psychological makeup influences their path to recovery, we will uncover the critical need for tailored treatment approaches. By recognising the interrelationships among various components—be it physiological, psychological, or social—healthcare providers can optimise rehabilitation strategies and enhance patients' recovery outcomes.

Recently, I found myself reflecting on the notion of "snake oil salesmen" as I observed a new client navigating their recovery from a spinal cord injury. In their quest for healing, this individual encountered a maze of contradictory advice regarding what recovery was achievable, leading to confusion about their journey. What to trust? Who to believe? What action makes sense?
Some individuals naturally know how to focus on what they can control while releasing the rest. While the future is unpredictable, carefully examining controllable factors, likely outcomes, and strategies to address these variables offers the best chance for success. This approach considers the chain reaction: "If I do X now, then Y will follow, leading to Z." The wise person sets out to carefully define the unknowns in that chain reaction. Carefully filtering the advice offered is a sound step.

Functional Electrical Stimulation cycling, also known as FES cycling or using an FES bike, is a rehabilitation technique that uses electrical stimulation to activate skeletal muscle in individuals with spinal cord injury or other types of neurological injury. This technique is well established in the homes of hundreds of people in the UK as well as in NHS and private facilities. In this article we address the topic of how often you should exercise with this technology. For example, is 20 minutes, three times per week really enough?