The effects of FES cycling combined with virtual reality racing biofeedback on voluntary function after incomplete SCI: a pilot study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) cycling can benefit health and may lead to neuroplastic changes following incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Our theory is that greater neurological recovery occurs when electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves is combined with voluntary effort. In this pilot study, we investigated the effects of a one-month training programme using a novel device, the iCycle, in which voluntary effort is encouraged by virtual reality biofeedback during FES cycling.

Methods

Eleven participants (C1-T12) with incomplete SCI (5 sub-acute; 6 chronic) were recruited and completed 12-sessions of iCycle training. Function was assessed before and after training using the bilateral International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (

SUBMITTER: Duffell LD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6880599 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature