FES Arm Cycling
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effects of FES arm cycling on functional ability and strength in people with spinal cord injury: A feasibility study
IRAS ID
347696
Contact name
Elaine Coulter
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Glasgow Caledonian University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 18 days
Research summary
Following a spinal cord injury (SCI), people with tetraplegia typically have reduced arm and hand function. This can lead to decreased independence with activities of daily living including personal care. The restoration of arm function is reported as a priority for people with tetraplegia for rehabilitation following SCI.
Recovery of upper limb function can be promoted through activity-based therapies including functional electrical stimulation (FES). FES is commonly used in SCI rehabilitation to replace and retrain function of upper limb, lower limb, trunk and bladder functions. FES combined with leg cycling is beneficial for muscle and bone health, cardiovascular health, and improvement in overall well-being. One study has previously been published which explored FES arm cycling in people with chronic SCI (over 1 year since injury), demonstrating decreased mean arterial pressure and a trending improvement in exercise performance. The effects of FES arm cycling in people with acute SCI (newly injured) are unknown.
Participants will be recruited from the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, once they are able to participate in physical rehabilitation. Following informed consent, participants will be set up on the RT300 bike for FES arm cycling. Once set up they will participate in FES arm cycling 3 times a week, receiving up to 30 minutes of FES each session for 6 weeks.
The primary outcome measure will be feasibility measuring recruitment and retention, adherence, perceived burden, inconvenience/benefit, and safety of the intervention. Secondary outcome measures will include upper limb function, overall function, and quality of life. Outcome measures will be taken in person at baseline and after the 6 week intervention.REC name
West of Scotland REC 1
REC reference
24/WS/0139
Date of REC Opinion
5 Dec 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion