The Effect and Dose-Response of Functional Electrical Stimulation Cycling Training on Spasticity in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

This study investigates how functional electrical stimulation cycling (FES-cycling) affects spasticity in people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). FES-cycling uses electrical stimulation to activate paralyzed muscles during cycling. The researchers analyzed multiple studies to determine if FES-cycling can improve spasticity, walking ability, and lower limb strength in individuals with SCI. They also looked at how the number of training sessions impacts spasticity. The study found that FES-cycling can significantly reduce spasticity, improve walking ability, and increase lower limb strength in people with SCI. Twenty sessions of FES-cycling training are required to obtain the efficacy to decrease spasticity.

• 1
  FES-cycling training significantly decreased spasticity in individuals with SCI.
• 2
  Walking ability, measured by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, improved significantly with FES-cycling training.
• 3
  Lower extremity muscle strength (LEMS) also improved significantly after FES-cycling training.