In earlier articles in this series, we have seen that motor training can induce constructive neuroplasticity providing that the tasks are practiced in a particular way and are challenging enough to stimulate positive adaptations. The human body is natural adaptive to the stimulus - or lack of it - that is provided.

Athletes learning new skills and training for peak performance in strength or endurance must draw on the same fundamental body resources as those individuals recovering from a neurological condition. There are many differences however in how to approach training due to the nature of the bodies energy systems and how these are influenced by disability.

When we are encouraged for rehabilitation purposes to train intensively, frequently etc we need to be aware of these energy systems and how they affect fatigue and the perception of effort.

In the Bridging the Gap series we are making comparisons between strategies and ideas used in training for elite sport and seeing if they are relevant to rehabilitation. In this article we are looking at the natural “learning process” of neuroplasticity which is the source of much hope and effort in rehabilitation.
The exciting discovery, revealed in glimpses over the last century, that the nervous system is plastic and adaptable even in adulthood, is a source of great hope to people with a spinal cord injury and other disorders such as stroke. We now call this inherent ability of the body to adapt, neuroplasticity, and recognise that the central nervous system (CNS) can undergo structural and functional change in response to new experiences.

Pressure ulcers, once upon a time known as bedsores, are a serious and painful condition that can occur when there is prolonged pressure on the skin. When pressure is applied to the skin for an extended period of time, it can lead to a decrease in blood flow and oxygen to the affected area, causing the skin to break down and form a sore. I need to add a bit of clarification here because no one can know if there is a safe level of pressure or a safe period of application - extended amount of time might not be very long at all. It varies so much with individual circumstances. The safest thing to do is aim to completely offload the heel area.

Pressure ulcers are more likely to occur in people who are bedridden or have limited mobility, as well as those who have certain medical conditions that affect blood flow, such as diabetes.:

One of the first questions that potential FES Cycling system owners might want to know is how much does a system cost? I guess from a potential client’s point of view there is not a lot of point in finding out about all the features and benefits if the cost is out of reach. In this article I can give you some guidance on the approach to pricing we apply to our RehaMove FES Cycling range.

Although pricing will obviously depend on the exact specification of a system, I can do my best to explain some of our thinking at Anatomical Concepts. We haven't set out to offer the least expensive or the most expensive FES bike and ultimately you will judge for yourself whether we offer good value.

Lower motor neuron lesions can have a profound effect on the nerves responsible for controlling movement in the body, leading to a range of symptoms, including muscle weakness and atrophy (loss of muscle bulk). These conditions can be caused by various factors, such as injury, disease, and even genetic disorders.

In our work we mostly meet individuals who have experienced a spinal cord injury that has resulted in damage to the Lower Motor Neurons resulting in denervation of muscle. We also see nerve injuries such as a Brachial Plexus injury to the shoulder.

In this guide, we will explore some of the causes, the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for lower motor neuron lesions, highlighting the importance of early intervention and appropriate care.

We should shortly see the emergence of new spinal cord stimulation products that can assist rehabilitation, as the first examples are approaching commercialisation. Although not a cure for spinal cord injury, these devices have been shown to assist in the recovery of function in situations where this seemed lost for ever.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has a rich history that dates back to the 1960s, when it was first introduced as a potential treatment for chronic pain management. Pioneered by Dr. Norman Shealy (1967) this innovative method was initially developed to alleviate intractable pain by delivering mild electrical pulse trains to the spinal cord via implantation of electrodes.

Over the years, the field of SCS has witnessed significant advancements in both technology and research, broadening its potential applications to include functional recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI).

This article looks briefly at the state of the art.