A Systematic Review of Modern Clinical Research on the Benefits of FES Cycling

Our MyoCycle is built using FES technology to help those with paralysis in the lower extremities receive therapeutic exercise. But what is FES and what does the research say about its effectiveness and benefits? We cover the clinical research that has come out in recent years about how FES’s outcome measures in treating conditions that cause paralysis. 

What is FES Cycling?

FES stands for functional electrical stimulation and is the method of using electrodes on the skin to stimulate paralyzed nerves and muscles to move in some rhythmic pattern. This stimulus is used to produce a “functional movement” such as walking or gripping an object. 

FES cycling uses electrical stimulation to produce the functional movement of cycling in the legs on a stationary bike. This allows someone with paralysis or limited mobility in their legs to experience therapeutic exercise through cycling. 

Clinical Research on FES Cycling

There are decades of research on the benefits of FES cycling for different conditions with little to no drawbacks. Since each condition that causes paralysis is different, it’s important to know how FES exercise can specifically benefit you. 

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs)

People with SCIs often experience cardiovascular changes such as restricted blood circulation and reduced oxygen utilization. One of the many benefits of exercise for people with SCIs is an increase in cardiovascular health and circulation. FES cycling has been found to help increase blood flow in the body and protect against more dangerous cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease or a heart attack. It also has the added benefit of reducing secondary symptoms such as spasticity, bone loss, and hindered mobility.  

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Many of the benefits that people with SCIs experience with FES cycling also apply to people with multiple sclerosis. Increased blood flow, reduced pain, and enhanced cognitive abilities are some of the benefits that may specifically appeal to people with MS. 

One concern that people may have when exercising with MS is fatigue and experiencing a relapse in symptoms; however, clinical research shows that FES cycling is a safe way to exercise with MS without worsening the condition.

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Cerebral palsy can affect a person’s ability to balance, making exercise a difficult or even dangerous task. However, unlike a mobile bike, FES cycling is a form of exercise that doesn’t require the user to balance themselves to exercise. Much like those with SCIs or MS, people with cerebral palsy benefit from exercise by strengthening their musculoskeletal system and reducing the symptoms and frequency of spasticity. 

Read Our Ebook to Learn More about Clinical Research on FES

Whether you are living with one of these conditions or are a clinician looking for treatments for your patients, FES cycling has years of research on why it’s a great exercise option for those with paralysis. If you want to know more about the clinical research behind FES cycling and our own MyoCycle FES bike, fill out the form below to receive our free ebook resource on this topic.