Exercising at a high intensity after a complete spinal cord injury can be challenging. But there are many good reasons why you should, ranging from enhanced cardiovascular function to decreased depression and increase cognition.
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) cycling can play an important role in such high intensity exercise, as a recent case study has highlighted the physiological benefit of using a novel approach to FES cycling.
Physiological change
Simmon’s (2017) applied the principles of the popular high intensity training (HIT) to a FES cycle in a 34 year old, T9 complete spinal cord injury patient, 11 years after the injury occurred. Using the bike three times per week for eight weeks was enough to produce a physiological change.
Simmon’s found a significant increase in leg-lean mass by 8.6%, increased blood flow by 59.5%, and decreased fasting blood glucose levels by 1.2%.
To find out more how to use HIT using a FES cycle at home contact our specialist FES team by filling out the form below.
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