Assessing kinematics and kinetics of functional electrical stimulation rowing

J Biomech, 2017 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2017.01.007 · Published: February 28, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Biomechanics

Simple Explanation

This study examined the biomechanics of FES-rowing to determine how motions, forces, and aerobic demand change with increasing intensity. Differences in kinematics (motion profiles), kinetics (forces produced by the feet and arms), external mechanical work, and mechanical efficiency (work produced/volume of oxygen consumed) were compared in able-bodied rowing vs. SCI FES- rowing at three comparable subpeak workloads. The FES stroke is characterized by a handle pull that precedes leg extension during the drive phase and by the lack of increase in stroke rate across intensities.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

6 individuals with SCI and 6 able-bodied subjects

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
With increasing exercise intensity, able-bodied rowing increased stroke rate by decreasing recovery time, while FES-rowing maintained a constant stroke rate, with no change in drive or recovery times.
2
While able-bodied rowers increased leg and arm forces with increasing intensity, FES-rowers used only their arms to achieve a higher intensity with a constant and relatively low contribution of the legs.
3
Able-bodied rowers are two times more efficient than FES-rowers (0.199 ± 0.006 vs. 0.101 ± 0.022 (total work)/VO2; p<0.01; Figure 6), producing more external work for a higher oxygen demand.

Research Summary

This study assessed the kinematics and kinetics of FES-rowing and able-bodied rowing in relation to aerobic work performed. The FES stroke is characterized by a handle pull that precedes leg extension during the drive phase and by the lack of increase in stroke rate across intensities. FES-rowers had lower oxygen consumption and produced less external work than able- bodied rowers across all intensities.

Practical Implications

Optimizing FES-rowing

Future work might seek to increase total force production, thereby increasing the loads on the lower body, to optimize bone health.

Improved Mechanical Efficiency

Increasing force production will result in an improved mechanical efficiency leading to an overall better rowing performance.

Bone Health Benefits

Increasing force production and loads on the lower body will further enhance the potential bone health benefits of FES-rowing.

Study Limitations

1
The 2D rowing model neglects out-of-plane motions.
2
The range of motion of the handlebar was assumed to follow seat trajectory.
3
The average age for able-bodied rowers is about 10 years less than for FES-rowers.

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