Use of Functional Electrical Stimulation Cycle Ergometers by Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2014 · DOI: 13.1310/sci2002-123 · Published: January 1, 2014

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

The study examines how people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) use functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycle ergometers at home. It compares their usage and energy expenditure with exercise guidelines that recommend 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week to burn 1,000 kcals. The results showed that most users didn't meet the recommended exercise levels, suggesting FES cycling alone may not be enough for overall health maintenance in this population.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

314 users with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Most users (71%) were classified as low-frequency users, averaging less than 2 days a week, with only 2% being high-frequency users.
2
The average usage for low-frequency users was 0.9 days a week, or 34 minutes per week, falling short of the recommended 150 minutes per week.
3
None of the participants met the energy exertion requirement of 1,000 kcals/week, with a maximal weekly expenditure of 43 kcals.

Research Summary

The study assessed the usage of home-based functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycle ergometers by individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The key finding was that the frequency and caloric expenditure of FES cycling were below recommended levels for the majority of participants. The authors suggest that better education on exercise targets and incorporation of adjunctive exercise are needed to improve health maintenance in this population.

Practical Implications

Improve User Education

Educate users about recommended exercise targets and the importance of consistent FES cycling.

Incorporate Adjunctive Exercise

Encourage users to combine FES cycling with other forms of exercise and physical activity to meet overall health maintenance goals.

Re-evaluate Caloric Expenditure Estimation

Examine and refine the models used to estimate caloric expenditure during FES cycling to provide a more accurate representation of energy utilization.

Study Limitations

1
The study assumes FES cycling is the sole source of caloric expenditure.
2
Estimates of caloric expenditure may not accurately reflect actual energy usage.
3
The study findings may not be generalizable to all individuals with SCI.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury